EU outlines cloud sovereignty plan that could affect Amazon, Microsoft, and Google
Europe plans to propose strict criteria for cloud computing services in highly critical state tenders that could exclude Amazon, Microsoft and Google from such projects, according to documents seen by Reuters.
-
The EU is preparing cloud sovereignty rules that could limit Amazon, Microsoft, and Google in sensitive government contracts.
-
The proposal is part of the upcoming Cloud and AI Development Act aimed at reducing Europe's reliance on US technology.
-
New requirements would prioritize EU-developed software and hardware in sectors such as healthcare, banking, and energy.
-
The move is driven by concerns over US data access laws and could spark tensions with Washington and Big Tech.
The proposal is part of the European Commission's Cloud and AI Development Act, which EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen will announce on Wednesday as part of a package of measures aimed at reducing Europe's dependence on US tech and promoting European businesses.
The drive for sovereignty requirements in sensitive sectors such as banking, energy, healthcare and comes amid fears of surveillance by the United States and that it may get unlawful access to Europeans' data on the basis of its laws such as the Cloud Act which requires US-based providers to grant authorities access to data even if it is stored abroad.
The EU proposal, previously unreported and that could face late changes, also introduces mandatory non-price award criteria, including requirements for software and hardware developed within the EU, that would disadvantage US big tech.
The European Commission declined to comment on details of its plans though said that its tech sovereignty package was "crucial for strengthening Europe's own technological capacities, for Europe's competitiveness and security."
Curious what others think about this story? Contribute your thoughts to the debate below.
The EU executive's plan, which needs backing from EU countries and the European Parliament in the coming months, could draw backlash from the US government which is already extremely critical of other EU laws aimed at reining in Big Tech and ensuring that they police their platforms for illegal and harmful content.
Unlock more exclusive Cybernews content on YouTube.
