Moving Away from US Cloud Services: Paths to Digital Sovereignty

The increasing dominance of US technology giants has raised concerns regarding digital sovereignty, especially with the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House. The implications of the US Cloud Act, which mandates compliance from American companies to US governmental requests regardless of server locations, have become increasingly significant for individuals, businesses, and states alike.

This dependence on US cloud services affects various sectors, including data storage, email providers, online office applications, and fundamental internet services like DNS and certification authorities. Even smart devices, such as Wi-Fi-enabled plugs, can be impacted if their core services are hosted on platforms like Amazon AWS or Microsoft Azure.

However, there are viable strategies to mitigate data exposure and explore alternative options. In a recent episode of c't uplink, experts discussed ways to transition to more localized and secure digital solutions. The conversation highlighted the availability of European cloud storage options, open-source projects, and decentralized communication platforms that prioritize user privacy.

Among the alternatives discussed were search engines and cloud services that comply with European data protection regulations. The discussion also included practical insights from a c't editor who has successfully migrated personal data to self-managed services, offering perspectives on the benefits and challenges of digital independence. This encompasses the use of privacy-focused hosting providers and the potential of home servers for enhanced control over data.

To further assist users in making the transition, the show provided recommendations for setting up personal cloud solutions, including utilizing devices like Raspberry Pi with applications like Immich. The experts also explored the balance between privacy and user experience, suggesting systems like GrapheneOS for Android that merge security with convenience.

In summary, as the reliance on US cloud services becomes a pressing issue, the exploration of alternatives and the implementation of self-managed solutions could play a crucial role in achieving greater digital sovereignty.