Society and State Responsibilities for Security in the Digital Network Space: The Opinions of Citizens and Experts

Abstract

This article is devoted to the study of the role of state bodies and civil structures in ensuring the security of the digital network space. The purpose of this work was to determine the subjective opinions of citizens about the boundaries of society and state responsibility for security in the digital network space. This sociological study included a combined online and offline survey, as well as a survey of experts. A sample of 1,000 respondents aged 16 years and older was recruited, which was representative on gender and age grounds. The sample for the expert survey consisted of 90 specialists across areas of activity. Based on the results, the authors concluded that in order to legitimize power, it is necessary to re-distinguish states and societies from the responsibility of ensuring personal and public security. Respondents considered the state and society to be equally responsible for the moral components of personal security, and that the state is responsible for protecting the personal data of citizens and ensuring public security. Experts were inclined to believe that both personal and public security in the digital network environment should be provided by authorities.