Lo spazio digitale della blue economy: 'logica proprietaria' e gestione delle infrastrutture tecnologiche sottomarine

The evolution of the Internet and its multifaceted applications has significantly accelerated the reconsideration of traditional analytical categories, particularly concerning the notions of space and time. The Internet and its broader «digital ecosystem» appeared to be governed by a spontaneous order, characterized by self-regulation, decentralization, and the absence of formal hierarchies. This perception initially fueled the belief that legal intervention was either unnecessary or should, at most, recognize the Internet as a collective resource, attributing to it a predominantly social and economic value. This study examines the evolving regulatory landscape within the framework of the blue economy, focusing on the proprietary logic and management of submarine technological infrastructures. It highlights the challenges posed by the rapid expansion of digital applications and their uneven social and geographical penetration, with a special emphasis on the European Union’ s regulatory framework. Furthermore, the study explores the increasing role of private market operators in shaping regulatory frameworks, often at the expense of traditional legal safeguards.