At first glance, digital sovereignty may seem anti-American in disguise, especially given the current tense political atmosphere around the Trump presidency. However, this is a narrow view that misses the broader and more critical context. The drive for digital sovereignty is not about opposition to America or its big tech companies but about reclaiming control from private, opaque entities whose technologies dominate critical infrastructure. This movement prioritizes global independence, transparency, and the protection of democratic values over mere protectionism.
Understanding Digital Sovereignty
One can easily conflate Europe’s push back against President Trump with the push for digital sovereignty, but these issues are distinct. Many European digital policies emerging today, such as the Digital Markets Act and Digital Services Act, aim to regulate big tech companies. Many of these companies originate from the U.S. At the same time, the Trump administration’s hostile and squawking responses ensure that the focus remains on the EU-U.S. aspect. European leaders argue that these regulations are democratic measures designed to prevent private companies from having unchecked power over citizens’ data and public digital infrastructure. They also point out that the same regulation hits Chinese, Japanese, and even European companies in the same way. Yet, the oversized microphone of the U.S. president pulls the perceived anti-American, and more so anti-Trump, aspect into focus.
Against The Sneaking Cloud
On the surface, the Austrian military’s recent decision to shift away from Microsoft highlights this. They are transitioning from Microsoft Office to the open-source LibreOffice suite. More importantly, they acknowledge that the move is not about cost savings, but rather about strategic control. The military leadership cited the creep of the cloud and of AI into Microsoft’s on-premise office suite as the main driver for the decision. Not only do they recognize the inherent security risk associated with the new technology, but they also acknowledge the risk to their defense readiness if adversaries disrupt the cloud connection.
Digital sovereignty plays into these considerations in two ways. First, the drive to become less dependent on foreign cloud services and proprietary software means that no foreign power or private company can exert pressure on Austria’s politics. Second, it enables the military to maintain technical autonomy, thereby protecting national security and citizen privacy.
Ultimately, the U.S. Cloud Act played a minor role. Yet that role pales in comparison to the increasing requirements to buy into a proprietary cloud and AI ecosystem.
Open Source as a Path to Sovereignty: The Schleswig-Holstein Example
Similarly, the German state of Schleswig-Holstein has embarked on an ambitious transition toward open-source technologies. The state government’s digital innovation strategy focuses on replacing proprietary software with free and open alternatives, including Univention‘s Identity Management system, LibreOffice, and Nextcloud. They recognize that open-source software allows for transparency, flexibility, and greater control over technological development and data governance. Privacy is a critical driver, as the government of Schleswig-Holstein seeks to shield citizens’ data from foreign surveillance and commercial exploitation.
This journey is not just about switching software but about establishing a future-proof and resilient digital infrastructure. By investing in local digital ecosystems and collaborating with open-source communities, Schleswig-Holstein aims to diminish dependency on cloud platforms controlled by large private corporations. This shift reflects a broader European trend of promoting digital independence without hostility toward American companies, but with a determination to protect democratic interests from excessive corporate control. In fact, the debates surrounding TikTok, Temu, and Shein, as well as their digital marketing power, are similar in nature, even though they combine digital sovereignty with physical products.
Why Digital Sovereignty Matters Globally
Digital sovereignty articulates a vision of digital independence that transcends individual countries. It’s a call for balanced power in global digital infrastructures, where no private entity, regardless of origin, can dominate or exclude the public and governments from key technological decisions. European digital sovereignty advocates seek a framework that enables states and citizens to assert control over data, promote transparency in governance, and secure democratic rights within the digital domain.
The often hostile narratives from the Trump administration toward European digital regulations illustrate a fundamental difference in how governments perceive the role of big tech. While the U.S. government under Trump leaned toward defending corporate interests and avoiding strict regulations, Europe stresses regulation and citizen protection. The pushback from the Trump administration, threatening tariffs and sanctions against European enforcement of digital rules, reflects an adversarial stance that reinforces Europe’s resolve for sovereign digital governance.
The Push For Digital Sovereignty In The U.S.
Despite all the noise from the White House, the U.S. is pushing for Digital Sovereignty. Yet, west of the Atlantic, the government refers to it as “protecting National Security.” Yet, let’s look at the Federal Government and several State Governments banning the usage of DeepSeek. It becomes clear that the U.S. is as concerned about foreign and private influence in AI as its Austrian counterparts.
Similarly, Chinese cloud service providers, including Alibaba, are prohibited from providing services to U.S. government entities, critical infrastructure providers, and companies in the national security sector. These restrictions extend beyond the obvious military contractors and even affect U.S. organizations providing mundane services, such as weather forecasts.
Lastly, the U.S. push regarding the sale of TikTok is the ultimate demonstration that the same concerns driving Digital Sovereignty around the world are also relevant in the U.S. The administration is concerned that a foreign power might exploit its technical know-how and market power to influence the future of the U.S.
Thus, if Digital Sovereignity isn’t anti-Americanism, it is a common-sense policy around the globe. The only difference is that in the U.S., we refer to it as National Security rather than Digital Sovereignty.
The Future of Digital Sovereignty
Thus, Europe is not alone in its quest for digital sovereignty. While different entities, from Austria and Schleswig-Holstein to the U.S., may have different names for it, all of these practices exemplify digital sovereignty in action. These initiatives focus on reduced reliance on foreign clouds and influences. They build a future where transparency and democratic values are embedded in the very architecture of digital infrastructure.
By fostering local innovation and open ecosystems, countries worldwide can establish a global standard for digital independence. This approach ensures that public administrations can operate with technological and political autonomy. Ultimately, digital sovereignty is about creating an inclusive, democratic digital landscape that respects privacy and supports innovation without domination by external private control.
