Digital sovereignty in danger: Germany remains dependent on US technology!

Digital sovereignty in danger: Germany remains dependent on US technology!

In Germany, digital sovereignty is a hotly debated topic that is increasingly coming into focus. Claudia Plattner, President of the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI), makes it clear that the dependence on cloud solutions and technologies from abroad cannot be overcome overnight. This situation urgently requires the integration of control mechanisms to ensure control over digital systems and data. The state remains dependent on input from non-European countries in order to maintain its digital systems. Plattner calls for a strategic approach to technology purchasing to promote sovereignty and limit the influence of the international market. This is the only way to counteract the uncontrolled outflow of data and potential blackmail made possible by the US Cloud Act, reports nordkurier.de.

Another important step in this discussion is the recently signed cooperation between the BSI and Google, which was announced in February 2025. This agreement aims to develop secure and sovereign cloud solutions specifically for public administration in Germany. The aim is for all solutions to comply with the strict German and European data protection regulations and thus significantly increase data sovereignty in the public sector. The BSI will integrate the most modern cryptographic methods, including post-quantum cryptography, which meets the latest security requirements. However, critics, such as the Gesellschaft für Informatik, express concern about the potential increase in digital dependence on US companies such as Google, and question the impact on data integrity and market position [security-insider.de].

Europe in transition

As concerns about digital dependency in Germany show, the issue is being taken seriously across Europe. A recent survey of 800 IT and cybersecurity managers in Germany and other European countries found that 78% of managers are more worried about digital sovereignty today than they were last year. In Germany it is even 81%. The uncertainty surrounding the security and availability of data, especially when using foreign providers, is causing more and more companies to consider the possibilities of European cloud services. In fact, the majority of organizations surveyed, seven out of ten, are considering switching to European cybersecurity solution providers, according to all-about-security.de.

A certain rethink is leading companies to focus again on on-premises models or hybrid architectures to maintain control over their data. Providers like Keepit present solutions that are specifically designed to meet the needs of European companies and offer an independent infrastructure. Such options could help to ensure digital resilience and the ability to act in an increasingly complex digital world.

In summary, it can be said that digital sovereignty in Germany and Europe has become a strategic obligation that not only influences companies' IT strategies, but also determines the entire economic future. The coming years will be crucial in determining whether Germany and Europe are able to strengthen their digital independence while not hindering innovation.