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"The Estonia Model: Why a Free and Secure Internet Matters", Wilson Center

21.04.2015

After regaining independence in 1991, the Republic of Estonia built a new government from the ground up. The result was the world's most comprehensive and efficient 'e-government': a digital administration with online IDs for every citizen, empowered by a free nationwide Wi-Fi network and a successful school program - called Tiger Leap--that boosts tech competence at every age level. While most nations still struggle to provide comprehensive Internet access, Estonia has made major progress towards a strong digital economy, along with robust protections for citizen rights. E-government services have made Estonia one of the world's most attractive environments for tech firms and start-ups, incubating online powerhouses like Skype and Transferwise.

An early adopter of information technology, Estonia was also one of the first victims of a cyber attack. In 2007, large-scale Distributed Denial of Service attacks took place, mostly against government websites and financial services. The damages of these attacks were not remarkable, but they did give the country's security experts valuable experience and information in dealing with such incidents. Eight years on, the Wilson Center is pleased to welcome Estonia's President Toomas Hendrik Ilves for a keynote address on the state of cybersecurity, privacy, and the digital economy.


LOCATION:
6th Floor, Woodrow Wilson Center


Event Speakers List:

Jane Harman // Director, President and CEO, Wilson Center
Toomas Hendrik Ilves // President of the Republic of Estonia


Link to Wilson Center webpage.