Tech Sovereignty:
Regaining Control over
Data and Digital Platforms 

Every year, a massive amount of data is created and stored, and the amount is increasing all the time. An estimated 180 zettabytes of data will be created, copied, and consumed globally by 2025. Today, Europe and the UK rely on foreign companies for most of their digital life.  
 
An estimated 92% of all data in the Western world is stored on servers owned by American companies. This includes various online and connected activities, ranging from regional and national government data to social media. 
 
This digital dependence is a major issue. To thrive economically, Europe and the UK must become leading digital economies, but this will only be possible if Europe and the UK regain control, trust, and sovereignty over data and digital technology. In this article, you’ll learn; 

Section 1:

What is Technology Sovereignty?

Technology sovereignty refers to a country’s ability to have control and independence over its technology. It involves taking control of the organisation’s software and hardware, protecting privacy and security-sensitive data and other digital assets.

Digital sovereignty, as defined by Pierre Bellanger, the author of “La Souveraineté Numérique” (Digital Sovereignty), encompasses the ability to govern the present and shape our future through the proficient utilisation of technology and computer networks.

This concept of digital sovereignty consists of two fundamental pillars: 

Data sovereignty:

Pertains to a company’s authority and autonomy in managing and safeguarding the data it generates and utilises.

Technological sovereignty:

On the other hand, refers to the extent of control a company or nation can exercise over its digital technologies, ensuring independence and self-reliance in utilising and regulating these technologies. 

Section 2:

Digital Sovereignty in the UK and Europe 

Governments and policymakers have voiced concern over the widespread use of foreign data centres for storage and processing. To ensure the British and European countries can manage their data, enhance their digital ecosystem, and increase digital sustainability, they want higher parameters for using and storing data locally.

It has been argued that the only way for Europe and the UK to maintain their digital sovereignty in the face of this threat is to increase their regulatory independence. Here’s a high-level explanation of how that can happen: 

• All European data must be stored within Europe. 
• European regulations and standards must be established and implemented. 
• Any data processing or storage must come from European information technology (IT) companies.

Section 3:

Section 4:

Achieving Digital Sovereignty in Data Management

Digital sovereignty aims to empower citizens and companies by granting them the authority to determine data collection, sharing, usage, and retention. This vision of digital sovereignty relies on three critical conditions, each playing a vital role in ensuring its effectiveness. Failure to meet any of these conditions jeopardises the entire data sovereignty chain. Let’s delve into these conditions and their significance: 

1. Quality Datasets with Fair Access and Use Rules:

The first condition for data sovereignty is the availability of quality datasets coupled with fair rules for access and use. High-quality datasets provide accurate, reliable, and relevant information, forming the foundation for making informed decisions and driving meaningful insights. Data quality encompasses completeness, accuracy, consistency, and timeliness.

Additionally, fair rules for access and use are essential to maintain transparency, trust, and equitable participation in the data ecosystem. Establishing clear guidelines and regulations ensures that data is accessed and utilised responsibly, ethically, and legally. Fair access and use rules prevent data misuse, unauthorised access, and discriminatory practices. 

2. Secure Storage:

The second condition for data sovereignty is secure storage. Data security is paramount to protect sensitive information from unauthorised access, breaches, and potential threats. Secure storage involves implementing robust measures to safeguard data throughout its lifecycle.

This includes employing encryption techniques, access controls, firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and regular security audits. By adopting these security measures, businesses can ensure their data’s confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Secure storage mitigates risks and helps maintain data sovereignty by preventing data breaches, loss, or manipulation. 

3. Algorithms and Computational Resources for Ready-to-Deploy Solutions:

The third condition for data sovereignty is having algorithms and computational resources available for ready-to-deploy solutions. This condition focuses on efficient processing and extracting valuable insights from the data. Algorithms and computational resources enable businesses to extract knowledge, make predictions, and develop innovative solutions based on their data assets.

Access to powerful computational resources, such as high-performance computing and cloud infrastructure, empowers organisations to rapidly process large volumes of data. Effective algorithms drive accurate analysis and meaningful outcomes, enabling businesses to leverage their data effectively.

The entire data sovereignty chain is at risk if one of these conditions is missing – quality datasets with fair access and use rules, secure storage, algorithms, and computational resources for ready-to-deploy solutions. Failing to meet any of these conditions compromises the integrity, security, and value of data, limiting businesses’ ability to harness the potential of their digital assets.