2026-09-24 –, ROOM ALFA
As AI platforms reshape global data, upend economies, disrupt workforces and challenges decades of the neutral, open Internet, a critical tension has emerged between the borderless nature of modern technology and the rising need for regional and sovereign data control. The Internet is dead! Long live the Internet!
As AI platforms reshape global data, upend economies, disrupt workforces and challenges decades of the neutral, open Internet, a critical tension has emerged between the borderless nature of modern technology and the rising need for regional and sovereign data control.
In this session, Zachary Smith, CEO of Datum, explores the role of open-source ecosystems and community-driven interoperability and how they remain critical to infrastructure resilience even while the commercial systems, governments and regulatory frameworks are shifting all around us.
We will explore what the Splinternet could and should look like and find out what it means for networks, service providers, builders and technology consumers of all sizes.
Zachary Smith is the CEO of Datum, where he focuses on building the open, interconnected infrastructure powering the next generation of cloud and AI platforms. A veteran of the internet infrastructure industry, Zachary has spent over two decades building Internet infrastructure and the software that powers it. Prior to leading Datum, he co-founded Packet (acquired by Equinix) and was an early leader of Linux hosting innovator, Voxel dot Net.
Zachary serves on the Board of Directors of Nexcess, Wasabi Technologies, 1NCE and the Danish 1st Division soccer club, Akademisk Boldklub.