Areas of interaction between digital corporations and the government in the political sphere of Russia

Abstract

The widespread use of the Internet, the desire of leading world powers to implement the concept of the digital economy, and the scientific and technological progress in this area have led to an increasing influence of large digital corporations. The features of such corporations are the development of products, services, and infrastructure that ensure further digitalization of various spheres of society, as well as the use of a “platform” business model by companies. The increase in financial resources of digital corporations and their dominant position in the development of technologies are a qualitative reserve for influencing political processes: spreading fake news or to build communication between candidates and citizens during election campaigns; the use of products of digital corporations by activists to mobilize and coordinate mass protests; and participation of large corporations in the implementation of government programs for the digitalization of the public sector. The activities of digital corporations, thanks to the distribution of their products, have led to a change in a number of sectors of the economy (passenger transportation, trade, hospitality, advertising, etc.) and exposed the problems that states, as key political actors, will have to solve in the near future. Thus, the state needs to resist digital corporations in their desire to monopolize markets, ensure the security of citizens’ personal data, and reduce the negative consequences of individuals using digital products and services. The article examines the key aspects of interaction between the state and digital corporations in Russia. The author highlights the main areas of cooperation and conflict between the state and digital corporations, based on an analysis of the most indicative and relevant cases.