The Web unravels

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of the splintering of the global internet into sovereign, government-controlled islands on the communications strategies and tactics of global corporations. Design/methodology/approach: The approach taken was to review the various ways in which powerful authoritarian regimes such as Russia and China are controlling the Web to dissect the ways in which this could impact corporations. Findings: The author believes that unless governments, civil entities and corporations collaborate to develop common standards for free speech and privacy, the Web as we know it today will cease to exist. Research limitations/implications: The research is based on selected books and articles reviewed by the author and is not comprehensive. Practical implications: Corporations will need to examine the impact of these developments on their own communications needs and strategies to develop the collaborations proposed. Social implications: Without a universal global internet, the ability of citizens across the world to exchange ideas and develop strategies to tackle global problems will be severely curtailed. Originality/value: The author does not believe that the splintering of the internet has been considered from the perspective of the global corporation.