⁇ Our data, their business model
Imagine a field. On the right: Europe, where exhausted citizens in frayed clothes try in vain to stop a flow of sheep. On the left: The US, where men in expensive cloaks watch the sheep jump over a fence. In the background, they are systematically shaved.
These sheep are not animals. Those sheep are our data.
“Data is the new oil? No, it's not. Data is the wool on our backs – and we get shaved voluntarily.”
⁇ From continent to concern
Every day we let our data cross the ocean without any problems. Through our calendars, emails, cloud storage and apps, we feed the US tech giants with a constant stream of information. Not infrequently ‘free’ – but in reality at the highest price: those of autonomy.
European citizens and entrepreneurs think they are working smartly and efficiently, but in the meantime they are feeding ecosystems that we ourselves have little control over.
“What we call convenience is called power consolidation elsewhere.”
⁇ ⇔ The value moves, the control disappears
What happens to that data? They are analysed, traded, used for behavioural manipulation, and used for AI training – all out of our sight. Profits don't end up here. Neither do the insights.
Europe is losing not only economic strength, but also strategic sovereignty. We are the producer and the supplier, but not the owner of our digital raw material.
“We supply the wool, but buy the jacket – at extortionate prices.”
⁇ ◎ Time to strengthen the fence
The image that accompanies this blog is confrontational. But the reality is that Europe is waking up. We are now seeing legislators, open source movements and local tech initiatives trying to turn the tide. They call for digital autonomy, privacy-friendly infrastructure and ethical data use.
But laws alone are not enough. We also need awareness. And choices. And yes, protest too. More than ever, there is a need for citizens, companies and administrators who speak out and refuse to participate in the herd any longer. The fence should not only be guarded – it should be reinforced.
“Sovereignty doesn’t start in Brussels, it starts with the tools you use every day.”
❤△ Moral barometers and digital questions of conscience
In recent years, the usual suspects have been talking about open source: The Linux fanatics, the digital privacy activists and the developers hate monopolies. But that's a thing of the past. The movement grows, deepens and broadens. Politicians, lawyers, software architects and administrators are increasingly speaking out against the dependence on American Big Tech. Europe's moral compass finally seems to be giving direction to the digital landscape.
Awareness is growing – and it should be. Digital autonomy is no longer a luxury or an idealistic pursuit. It has become a necessity in a world where data equals power.
“It is no longer about software – it is about sovereignty.”
⁇ Legal pressure points are no longer ignored
The recent position of the German Minister Nancy Faeser over American Espionage Sensitivity, and Danish research to Nextcloud as an alternative to Microsoft Make one thing clear: European governments are feeling the pressure. They are held responsible for the protection of citizen data and trade secrets. Increasingly, this leads to the conclusion: Big tech is no longer an option.
“When laws do not change, systems change.”
⁇ Economic advantage for SMEs
While large companies have invested millions in U.S. cloud environments, the relative flexibility of SMBs offers an opportunity. Do you have years of vendor lock-in? Then now is the time. European open source alternatives have not only matured, they are often cheaper, more transparent and more adaptable to local needs. The TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) tells a surprisingly different story than many people think.
“Vendor lock-in is more expensive than you think, freedom pays off in the long run.”
⚡ The tipping point: From Niche to Mainstream
We see the signs everywhere. In the Netherlands, interest in Nextcloud is growing steadily. In Germany, legislation is being amended. In Denmark, government institutions are turning to European alternatives. What was once a sincere call from the margins has now become a sound from the center. And I notice it personally, too. The interest in open source solutions is increasing in conversations with customers, partners and even potential investors.
“What was an idealistic choice yesterday is a strategic decision today.”
⁇ Time is running out – let's migrate data before it's too late
Then Frank Karlitschek, the CEO of Nextcloud, pointed me to the Danish article, I was woken up. This is not just a wave – this is a tidal change. We can no longer afford a wait-and-see attitude. European software is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity. An opportunity to unite ethics, economy and efficiency. So: What are you waiting for?
“The future of your data is a choice – choose consciously, choose now.”
English (UK)