Why the 'Data Is the New Oil' Metaphor Falls Short, According to an AI Governance Expert

Jan de Vries · 2026-08-05

AI governance is no longer a niche technical topic. It's shaping who controls data, digital infrastructure, and influence across borders. The decisions governments and tech companies make today will ripple through global power dynamics, civil liberties, and access to the data needed to build future AI systems. Dr. Bulelani Jili is a technology speaker and global authority on AI governance, surveillance, and digital power. He's an Assistant Professor at Georgetown University's Edmund A. Walsh School of Foreign Service and a Faculty Associate at Harvard Law School's Berkman Klein Center for Internet and Society. In this exclusive interview, he breaks down the politicization of AI, the rise of digital sovereignty, and how leaders can approach cybersecurity with a wider lens. ### Why AI Governance Is Now a Geopolitical Battleground AI isn't just another tech trend. It's disruptive in ways we're only beginning to understand. Supply chains have become politicized, turning into nodes of tension where countries leverage their positions for political gain. That's not just about moving commodities anymore—it's about control. "AI is heavily politicised because stakeholders recognise the scale of change it brings," Dr. Jili explains. "Many see it as an opportunity to further economic disruption or scale the means of disrupting traditional networks within the cyber security space." The scale and speed of AI's evolution make it inherently political. It forces us to rethink the future of work, the nature of cybersecurity, and the regulatory frameworks we've relied on for decades. ### Digital Sovereignty and the Real Value of Data One of the most significant shifts is the push for digital sovereignty. Countries across the Global North and South want greater control over their data—the essential ingredient in AI. As a result, we're seeing a wave of data localization efforts. Some nations view data as having cultural or indigenous value. Others treat it as a commodity with tradable worth. This thinking has fueled the popular metaphor that "data is the new oil." But Dr. Jili pushes back on that comparison. "That metaphor has received considerable attention, but it is partly misleading," he says. "Data's value depends on its scalability and processing. Its value is contingent on what we can do with it." In other words, raw data sitting in a server is worthless. Its value only emerges when it's processed, scaled, and turned into something actionable. That distinction changes how countries think about where and how they house data—and it will reshape how AI companies operate. - Access to data will become increasingly politicized. - Companies will face tougher negotiations with governments. - Business models will need to adapt to fragmented data regulations. ### Rethinking Cybersecurity Beyond Networks Leaders today face a tough balancing act: maintaining cybersecurity, driving operational efficiency, and protecting civil liberties. Dr. Jili's advice? Broaden your definition of cybersecurity. "Cyber security is no longer simply a question of networks," he says. "It is also a cultural, political and geographical question." That's a crucial insight. Cybersecurity isn't just about firewalls and encryption. It's about understanding the cultural context of the data you hold, the political landscape you operate in, and the geographical implications of where your infrastructure lives. ### The Future Isn't Written Yet When asked what he wants audiences to take away from his talks, Dr. Jili offers a refreshing perspective: "I want people to recognise that the future has not been predetermined and that we are part of the solution we are looking for." That's a powerful reminder. AI governance isn't just a top-down issue for policymakers. It's something every leader, engineer, and citizen contributes to through daily decisions about data, privacy, and technology. The future of AI isn't fixed. It's being built right now, one decision at a time. The question is whether we'll make those decisions thoughtfully—or let them happen to us.