MPs urge government to stop using “unsafe” US cloud services

MPs urge government to stop using “unsafe” US cloud services

  • 19.03.2025 09:48
  • dutchnews.nl
  • Keywords: 国家安全, 网络

Dutch MPs have called for an end to the use of US cloud services, citing security risks, and urged the development of a national cloud system. They expressed concerns over potential foreign access to sensitive data under the US Cloud Act, following an audit revealing heavy reliance on American providers like Amazon and Microsoft.

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Estimated market influence

Microsoft

Microsoft

Negativesentiment_dissatisfied
Analyst rating: Strong buy

MPs urge government to stop using Microsoft's cloud services due to security concerns.

Amazon

Amazon

Negativesentiment_dissatisfied
Analyst rating: Strong buy

MPs urge government to stop using Amazon's cloud services due to security concerns.

Google

Negativesentiment_dissatisfied
Analyst rating: N/A

MPs urge government to stop using Google's cloud services due to security concerns.

Context

Analysis of Dutch MPs' Call to Stop Using US Cloud Services

Key Facts

  • MPs' Concern: Dutch MPs have raised concerns about using US cloud services like Microsoft and Amazon for storing sensitive data (tax returns, contracts, medical records), citing cybersecurity risks under the US Cloud Act.
  • Proposed Solution: They urge the government to develop its own cloud service to reduce dependency on foreign providers.
  • Audit Findings: 700 out of 1,588 government services use open US-based cloud services (Amazon, Microsoft, Google).
  • Security Risk: There's a risk that foreign governments could access or modify Dutch data via these services.
  • Ministerial Response: Digitalisation minister Zsolt Szabó is reviewing the approach but hasn't commented on security implications directly.

Market Insights

  • Shift in Procurement: The government may prioritize local or EU-based cloud providers, impacting US tech giants' market share.
  • Opportunity for European Providers: Companies like OVH and Scaleway could benefit from increased demand for domestically controlled services.
  • Cost and Innovation: Developing an in-house cloud might reduce long-term costs and foster innovation but requires significant investment.

Competitive Dynamics

  • US Tech Giants at Risk: US companies face potential exclusion from Dutch government contracts if the shift to local solutions accelerates.
  • Regulatory Compliance: US providers may need to comply with stricter data security regulations or risk losing business in Europe.

Long-Term Effects

  • Reduced Dependency: Decreased reliance on foreign cloud services could enhance national cybersecurity and strategic autonomy.
  • Potential Fragmentation: This move might influence other European countries, leading to a fragmented cloud market across the region.

Regulatory Implications

  • New Laws Likely: The Dutch government may introduce regulations favoring EU-based services, impacting procurement policies.
  • Precedent Setting: This could set a precedent for other nations, encouraging similar shifts towards locally controlled digital infrastructure.

This analysis highlights the strategic shift in cloud service dependency, its implications on market dynamics, and potential regulatory changes.