Safe Harbour († 2015), Privacy Shield († 2020) and soon the Data Privacy Framework?

The year 2025 starts with many political earthquakes in all areas. Companies and their IT decision-makers have also been shaken up.

Ever since Trump dismantled the PCLOB as a central element of the Data Privacy Framework (DPF), experts have considered the EU-US data protection agreement to be no longer viable.

The weaknesses of the DPF were already the subject of loud criticism when it was introduced. In light of current developments, it seems only a matter of time before the DPF meets the fate of its predecessor agreements (Safe Harbour, Privacy Shield).

This data protection issue is just one of many reasons why IT decision-makers should rethink their approach. There is an urgent need for more courage in favour of European alternatives, which exist in large numbers in almost all areas.

The independence of our digital infrastructure and the associated sovereignty over our data should be seen as a fundamental building block for a digital future in Europe. A new self-image is urgently needed. And there are good reasons for this.

Good reasons in favour of more European software alternatives

1. Data protection: Uniform data protection standards apply in countries within the EU with no surprises.
2. SaaS products and open source: There are real alternatives from the EU in almost all areas.
3. The local economy: European companies pay their taxes in the EU. We all benefit from this. It strengthens the location and creates highly qualified jobs that are urgently needed in a digital future.
4. Uniform legal basis: Standardised competition and consumer rights apply throughout the EU.
5. Data sovereignty: European solutions ensure sovereignty over one’s own data. Nobody has to be afraid that data will be secretly or sometimes openly extracted or misused.
6. Less uncertainty: In addition to other factors, this primarily concerns price trends. Recent excesses at VMWare or Microsoft show how the lock-in effect can sometimes hit customers hard and without warning when it comes to price.

Can you think of any other reasons? For sure! Not only since the recent political earthquakes has it been a good idea to retain control over your own IT infrastructure. It is doubtful whether state actors have sufficiently understood this despite the clear alarm signals.

Fortunately, companies are faster when it comes to making decisive changes.

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