Essential digital technologies are critical infrastructure – they are not always built and managed that way

Search engines, social media and AI models can be made as safe and reliable as bridges and water supplies.

By: Francine Berman, UMass Amherst, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: September 4, 2026

Words: 1,063

Last Updated: 1 month, 2 weeks ago

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By Francine Berman, UMass Amherst

What do the water system in Flint, Michigan, the electrical grid in Puerto Rico and your search engine have in common? They are all critical infrastructure – systems essential to everyday life.

People expect critical infrastructure to be reliable, to minimize risk and to promote public well-being. When it fails – such as when lead seepage poisoned Flint’s water supply in 2014, or when nearly all of Puerto Rico’s …

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