US pressure on tech giants threatens Europe's digital security: 'If Microsoft fails, everything stops'

The pressure exerted by the US government on tech companies like Microsoft has serious consequences for European customers. The US government can demand access to European data stored in the cloud, posing a significant risk to the privacy of European citizens and businesses. Bert Hubert, a tech expert and former intelligence regulator, acknowledges that concerns about data security with major tech firms are real. 'If Microsoft fails, everything stops.'

Hubert explains that the risks depend on specific situations. 'If you run a shoe store, I don't think the Americans are really interested in your customer data. But when it comes to tax records, government information, or medical data, they are genuinely interested.'

The problem escalates when it becomes clear that the US government can exclude European markets from their cloud services. 'Just the idea that this could happen makes everyone more cautious. If Microsoft fails, everything stops. Even your door pass won't work anymore.'

Legal steps are possible, but Lisette Meij, a tech lawyer, warns that the process is lengthy and costly. 'In 2014, we tried this, and it lasted until 2017. You're talking about years.' Microsoft's president Brad Smith suggests European legislation could block US access, but Meij is skeptical. 'The US government will always say: "Our national security comes first."'