What to Expect in 2025: Cybersecurity, Geopolitics, and the Digital World
As we enter 2025, the world is witnessing a continued convergence of technology, cybersecurity, and global affairs. The past year saw landmark cases, major geopolitical cyber conflicts, and the emergence of new digital challenges. This year, we anticipate the ramifications of last year’s events, as well as new developments shaping policy, security, and the internet itself.
Why We Waited Until February to Publish
Rather than rushing to publish in early January, we wanted to assess the regulatory and geopolitical landscape following the U.S. administration change. On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued a “Regulatory Freeze Pending Review”, pausing key regulatory measures, including tech policy and cybersecurity regulations.
We also saw TikTok’s brief ban in January, which was later reversed following intervention by Trump himself. The possibility of Musk or other major figures influencing the platform’s ownership has sparked further debate over tech governance in the U.S. and abroad.
What We Covered in 2024 and Its 2025 Impact
Before looking ahead, it's important to follow up on the key topics we covered last year, as they will continue shaping the global digital landscape.
1. The Antitrust Case Against Google – What’s Next?
In “United States vs. Google: The Landmark Antitrust Case”, we analyzed how the U.S. government is challenging Google’s dominance.
What to Expect in 2025:
Google faces tighter scrutiny over its search and advertising monopoly, with the next phase of court hearings scheduled for April 2025.
Implications for AI Search: The rise of AI-powered search, like OpenAI’s ChatGPT search integrations, could change the landscape of internet search and digital ads.
2. Cyber Espionage: Salt Typhoon and Global Threats
Our Salt Typhoon* article detailed a major cyber-espionage operation linked to China, targeting U.S. telecommunications.
What to Expect in 2025:
State-sponsored cyberattacks will escalate, especially targeting elections and AI-driven disinformation.
The U.S. and allies will increase cybersecurity collaboration, implementing stronger zero-trust policies and quantum-resistant encryption.
3. Social Media and Sovereignty: The Brazil vs. X Conflict
In "Brazil vs. X: When Tech Clashes with the Judiciary"*, we analyzed how Musk’s X (formerly Twitter) fought against Brazil’s Supreme Court over content regulation.
What to Expect in 2025:
More governments will push for social media regulation, particularly in Latin America and Europe, where courts are enforcing stricter content laws.
Musk’s political ties—including his role in the new U.S. administration—may influence global tech policy shifts.
New Key Issues Shaping 2025
Beyond what we covered last year, new developments demand our attention in cybersecurity, geopolitics, and technology governance.
1. The Rise of AI-Generated Cyber Threats
Generative AI is fueling cybercrime, with deepfake scams and AI-generated phishing tactics on the rise.
Defensive AI is also evolving, as governments deploy AI-powered cybersecurity measures.
2. Quantum Computing and Its Threat to Encryption
Quantum breakthroughs are forcing industries to adopt quantum-resistant encryption to secure sensitive data.
The NSA and NIST are pushing forward Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) standards.
3. Social Media and Political Influence
With TikTok’s uncertain future, who owns social media matters more than ever.
Elon Musk, Trump, and political figures will have a direct hand in shaping tech policy, affecting global discourse.
4. The Weaponization of Critical Infrastructure
Cyberattacks on energy grids, water supplies, and financial systems are increasingly state-sponsored.
The focus on zero-trust security models and resilience planning will become a top priority for corporations and governments.
5. Geopolitics and Cybersecurity: U.S.-China and Beyond
The U.S.-China rivalry in cybersecurity will intensify, with Beijing accelerating its cyber capabilities and AI warfare tactics.
New regulations restricting Chinese investments in U.S. tech firms could impact global tech markets.
Final Thoughts – Navigating the Digital Future
2025 is already proving to be a pivotal year for cybersecurity, tech governance, and digital rights. With major legal battles, AI-driven cyber threats, and regulatory shifts on the horizon, staying informed is more critical than ever.
At The Wireless Cable, we will continue bringing expert analysis on the intersection of diplomacy, cybersecurity, and geopolitics—because understanding the digital frontier is no longer optional; it’s essential.
What are you watching in 2025? Join the discussion with us at www.thewirelesscable.com.
