Europe's Digital Reliance on US Raises Concerns, 'Europe First' Urged
A new report has raised concerns about Europe's reliance on American digital technologies. It advocates for a 'Europe First' approach to boost local solutions, spur innovation, and mitigate risks related to privacy and foreign legal jurisdiction.
The report highlights the high dependence of critical sectors in the UK on US technologies, ranging from 88% to 95%. This includes banking, telecommunications, and utilities. Such dependence poses risks to Europe's digital sovereignty and limits control over strategic data. It also exposes Europe to vulnerabilities from external providers.
The reliance on US email providers, such as Gmail and Hotmail, is also significant across Europe, with rates ranging from 72% to 93%. Disruptions in essential infrastructure like email services could have severe knock-on effects for business continuity and national security.
Proton, the company behind the report, plans to monitor and report on further digital dependencies in Europe to identify opportunities for enhancing autonomy. While the largest beneficiaries of US technology in Europe are not explicitly detailed, critical discussions suggest that countries with strong digital economies or integration may be most dependent. New research shows that 88% of UK publicly listed companies rely on US-owned email providers like Gmail for vital communications and data infrastructure. The UK's technology industry, valued at USD $1.1 trillion, also demonstrates high dependency on US platforms, ranging from 82% to 94%.
The report underscores the need for Europe to reduce its dependence on American digital technologies. By promoting local digital solutions and encouraging innovation, Europe can enhance its digital sovereignty, improve control over strategic data, and mitigate risks from external providers. Further research and monitoring are planned to identify areas for enhancing Europe's digital autonomy.
Read also:
- Minimal Essential Synthetic Intelligences Enterprise: Essential Minimum Agents
- Tesla is reportedly staying away from the solid-state battery trend, as suggested by indications from CATL and Panasonic.
- UK automaker, Jaguar Land Rover, to commit £500 million for electric vehicle manufacturing in Merseyside
- IAEA Urges Action as Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant's Power Crisis Worsens
