Jan Bartošek (born November 10, 1971, Jihlava) is a Czech politician. He has been a member of the Chamber of Deputies since 2013. He served as Deputy Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies from February 2014 to 2017 and again since November 2021. He was also the chair of the KDU-ČSL parliamentary group from 2017 to 2021. During that time, he served on committees as a member of both the Defence Committee and the Security Committee. As Deputy Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, he cannot be a member of any parliamentary committee; however, he is a member of the Commission for Military Intelligence and the Commission for the Oversight of the Civil Intelligence Service. He has also maintained long-term cooperation with the National Cyber and Information Security Agency. Throughout his political career, he has been actively involved in issues related to defence and security, hybrid threats, and disinformation.
Digital sovereignty is a crucial aspect of modern democracy, determining a state's ability to control its digital infrastructure, regulate technology, and protect citizen data. In today’s world, data has become the most valuable resource, surpassing even oil and gold, as it enables those who control it to influence public perception and decision-making. Democratic states prioritize transparency, freedom of speech, and data protection, while autocratic regimes use digital tools for censorship, surveillance, and propaganda. The European Union (EU) and other democratic nations implement regulations such as GDPR, DSA, and DMA to ensure fair competition, secure personal data, and counter disinformation. However, the challenge remains: balancing security with fundamental freedoms. The global contest over digital sovereignty reflects the broader geopolitical struggle between democratic and authoritarian models. While democracies regulate digital platforms to protect citizens, autocratic states monopolize online spaces to control narratives. International collaboration, such as between the EU and Taiwan, is vital for strengthening cybersecurity, countering digital propaganda, and fostering technological independence. Ultimately, digital sovereignty must not lead to isolation but serve as a tool for democratic resilience. The future lies in cooperation, transparency, and the protection of fundamental rights in the digital realm.