The History of Digital Policy in Britain

PhD Researcher Sian Cleary’s PhD thesis charts the history of digital policy in Britain from the Electric Telegraph in the 1830s to the first AI Safety Summit led by the UK in November 2023. The broad nature of this research captures the history of electronic communication through telecommunications, computers and internet policy in Britain. This thesis will utilise primary source evidence of digital policy from archival sources and interviews from decision makers who have shaped its history. In partnership with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology the research will provide an analysis of the most significant digital policy decisions made by the British government throughout history, highlighting successes, missed opportunities and lessons that can be applied for todays policy makers.