Europe 'Lost the Internet' to US Tech, Warns Cyber Chief

Miguel De Bruycker, a leading figure in Belgium's cyber security landscape, has sounded the alarm regarding the European Union's digital autonomy. In a recent statement, he asserted that Europe has effectively 'lost the internet' to the dominance of American technology firms. This loss is not merely theoretical but manifests in the operational dependencies of EU law enforcement agencies.

The core of the issue lies in the infrastructure that powers modern digital services. De Bruycker points out that European security and legal bodies are too deeply reliant on the digital infrastructure provided by US tech companies. This dependency raises critical questions about data sovereignty and the ability of European authorities to maintain control over their own digital ecosystems without foreign influence or oversight.

The warning comes directly from Miguel De Bruycker, who holds a significant position within Belgium's cyber security apparatus. His comments serve as a critique of the current state of digital infrastructure within the European Union. By stating that Europe has 'lost the internet,' he highlights the immense scale of influence that foreign technology entities have acquired over European digital traffic and services.

This statement reflects a growing concern among European officials about the concentration of digital power. The reliance on external providers for essential services creates a vulnerability. When EU law enforcement utilizes these systems, they are effectively operating within a framework controlled by non-European interests, which complicates jurisdictional and security protocols.

The specific nature of the dependency involves the foundational layers of the internet. US tech companies dominate the market for cloud computing, data storage, and communication platforms. Consequently, when European agencies investigate crimes or manage security data, they often do so using software and hardware manufactured and maintained in the United States.

This reliance creates a paradox for EU law enforcement. While these tools are necessary for modern policing, they introduce risks regarding data access and privacy. The infrastructure is owned by private corporations subject to US laws, potentially placing European data under the purview of foreign legal systems. De Bruycker's warning suggests that this arrangement is unsustainable for a sovereign Europe.

The implications of this digital dependency are far-reaching for European security. If Europe has truly 'lost the internet,' it means the continent lacks the sovereign capability to fully secure its own communications and data. Miguel De Bruycker implies that the current situation undermines the strategic autonomy of the European Union.

For EU law enforcement, the inability to operate independent infrastructure means that investigations and operations are potentially exposed to external interference. Whether through commercial disputes or geopolitical tensions, the reliance on US tech companies leaves European security apparatuses vulnerable to disruptions outside of their control.

De Bruycker's comments serve as a call to action for European policymakers. The path forward likely involves significant investment in indigenous digital infrastructure. To reverse the trend of 'losing the internet,' the European Union would need to foster homegrown alternatives to US tech companies.

Creating a sovereign European internet infrastructure is a massive undertaking. It requires not only technical development but also regulatory frameworks that encourage the adoption of local technologies. Until such measures are taken, the reliance described by Miguel De Bruycker will likely persist, keeping EU law enforcement tethered to foreign digital ecosystems.