Development of civic activism as a strategy of public regulation in the field of information security

¹ Kazan Federal University, 420008, Kazan, Russia
² Lobachevsky University, 603022, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
³ Samara State University of Railway Transport, 603011, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia

^* Corresponding author: andreevsemen@mail.ru

Abstract

This article explores the evolving landscape of civic activism in Russia within the realm of information security, with a particular focus on safeguarding children from harmful content. The study's primary objective is to assess the scale of civic activism, examine its stages and effective strategies, and explore motivational mechanisms driving citizen engagement. Employing a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods, including surveys, case analysis, focus groups, and expert interviews, the research spanned from 2019 to 2023. Findings reveal a transition from spontaneous to more structured and institutional forms of civic activism. Participants underscored the need for tighter governmental regulation of the information sphere, clarifying harm criteria, and enhancing legal accountability. The article underscores the role of NGOs and civil society in augmenting governmental efforts and notes the prevalence of specific psychological characteristics among civic activists. The unification of interpretations of harmful content and the formation of civic structures represent significant trends in the evolving civic activism landscape. In summary, this study underscores the pivotal role of civic activism in ensuring a safer digital environment for children and reveals its potential to stimulate more robust governmental responses to information security challenges.