ORG warns UK's over-dependence on US tech is national security risk

A new study by the Open Rights Group (ORG) warns that the UK's heavy reliance on a limited number of global tech giants poses a significant threat to national security and digital sovereignty. The report: Tech Giants and Giant Slayers argues that these corporations use their market dominance to stifle innovation, control critical infrastructure, and lobby the government to weaken or limit AI, data protection, and competition laws.

The report identifies a major security risk stemming from geopolitical uncertainty and US foreign policy. It highlights that the US government possesses sanctioning powers that can compel companies to withdraw services from specific institutions or individuals. This was recently demonstrated when Microsoft suspended facilities for the International Criminal Court following US sanctions. ORG suggests that, should diplomatic relations between the UK and the US deteriorate, the US could leverage its corporate control over the UK's digital infrastructure.

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