Society’s Dependence on the Internet: 5 Cyber Issues the Coronavirus Lays Bare

Laura DeNardis and Jennifer Daskal of The Conversation write that the COVID-19 pandemic exposes many vulnerabilities created by society’s dependence on the internet. They identify five issues made more visible by the current pandemic.

• China’s censorship about the virus in the early weeks affects us all.
• Disinformation online isn’t just speech—it’s also a matter of health and safety, with fake “cures” and racist accusations putting lives in danger.
• Cyber resiliency and security matter more than ever, with business, education, and cultural activity depending on them.
• Smart technologies serve as a lifeline, such as for remote medical care, but also the potential for abuse.
• The tech supply chain is a point of vulnerability, as shown by the temporary shutdown in China and its global impact.