We frequently hear in the 21st century that data is the new oil. Those who controlled oil flows in the 1970s had a near stranglehold on the global economy. Today, those who hold data might well control the new economy. Data, however, is diffuse, hard to track and nearly impossible to regulate, which could have unparalleled implications for human rights and religious freedom. Big data companies have poured billions into research to bring technology and data into direct contact with us every day through artificial intelligence.

The Listening Post focuses on women in the national security space. This new column offers a collection of experienced national security insights, interviews, and profiles of women who are ushering in the new era of national security. Lauren Zabierek is Executive Director of the Cyber Project at Harvard Kennedy School's Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs. OPINION -- Emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), 5G telecommunications, and Quantum Computing hold great promise for the global good–from disease detection and treatment development to greater internet connectivity and possibilities we haven't even imagined yet. However, adversarial countries like Russia and China exploit technology to further their worldview to the detriment of the United States and its allies.