This paper examines the unintended consequences of national digital initiatives (NDIs) on countries’ public safety and freedom. While NDIs aim to expand access to digital technologies, this research highlights a paradox: NDIs enhance public safety through omnipresent surveillance but simultaneously restrict freedom by reinforcing control. Using China’s Digital Silk Road as the research context, we conducted a difference-in-differences analysis on a sample of 148 countries spanning 2012-2022 to examine the effects of NDIs on public safety and freedom. The findings contribute to broader theoretical discussions in societal concerns of digital technology advancements and offer valuable insights for policymakers. This work underscores the importance of carefully balancing digital progress with the need to protect both public safety and freedom in the digital age.