EU aims to ensure foreign governments or firms cannot disrupt tech services with ‘kill switch’ The EU executive is proposing measures to ensure foreign governments or companies cannot disrupt vital tech services across the continent, aiming to reduce dependencies on the US and China. These proposals focus on cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and semiconductor production, with the goal of increasing European control over sensitive data and infrastructure. While not seeking complete isolation, the EU aims to identify and mitigate ‘risky dependencies’ to maintain security and law enforcement control.

• The EU is developing proposals to achieve ‘technological sovereignty’ and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers in cloud computing, AI, and semiconductor production.
• The move is intended to prevent foreign governments or companies from accessing ‘kill switches’ to disrupt vital tech services or access sensitive data.
• Vulnerabilities were exposed by China’s semiconductor export halt and concerns about the US Cloud Act allowing access to data stored by US providers.
• EU member states would conduct risk assessments on cloud providers in sensitive areas like defense and criminal justice, potentially requiring switches to EU-controlled services.
• The proposals also aim to boost Europe’s AI infrastructure by fast-tracking data center construction and promoting European semiconductor production.
• Critics, including the Computer and Communications Industry Association, warn the proposals could lead to market shutdowns and push trusted providers out of the EU.
• Concerns are raised about reconciling data center expansion with climate goals and the realism of building cutting-edge semiconductor facilities within the EU’s desired timescale.