Hey there, tech lovers! Today we’re diving into how European nations might be changing their game plan with U.S. tech giants.

European governments are starting to rethink their dependence on American tech services, according to a recent report from The New York Times. The move comes amid political tensions rising over actions like sanctions and court decisions involving the U.S. and other countries.

One notable event was when Microsoft disabled Karim Khan’s email after U.S. sanctions targeted him and others connected to the ICC. This action prompted many Europeans to consider alternative options, including switching to Swiss email services like Proton.

Casper Klynge, a former diplomat turned Microsoft employee, said that this incident acted as a catalyst for many Europeans, fueling the push to explore local or alternative tech solutions. Concerns remain that American companies might be compelled to comply with U.S. government requests when conflicts arise.

Microsoft responded by updating its policies to better safeguard European clients and clarified that they did not deactivate the emails of certain sanctioned ICC judges. Additionally, Microsoft announced new “sovereign solutions” aimed at protecting European institutions from similar issues in the future.

So, it seems like Europe is increasingly interested in reducing reliance on U.S. tech — a trend driven by geopolitical fears and the desire for greater digital independence. Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story!