Xodus thread.
Entities that have discontinued use of Big Tech
Includes social media platforms, "AI" platforms, cloud hosters, all that.
X -- New Brunswick
possibly Nova Scotia
"Since New Brunswick premier Susan Holt signalled her government will abandon the social media platform X, previously know as Twitter, it’s prompted the Nova Scotia government to consider its use of the platform."
Palantir - Switzerland
"Switzerland’s military has terminated its contract with Palantir Technologies Inc. following a security audit. The review concluded that U.S. intelligence agencies could potentially access sensitive Swiss defense data, a deal-breaker for the neutrality-focused Alpine nation. "
https://www.newscase.com/palantirs-swiss-exit-highlights-global-data-sovereignty-challenge/
Switzerland’s military has terminated its contract with Palantir Technologies Inc. following a security audit. The review concluded that U.S. intelligence agencies could potentially access sensitive Swiss defense data, a deal-breaker for the neutrality-focused Alpine nation. This move represents a significant reputational warning for the data analytics firm, with potential ripple effects across other international partnerships. […]
X - Paris, France
Chippenham, UK
Turku, Finland
X - German and Austrian universities
https://www.dw.com/en/german-institutions-depart-x-a-day-after-musks-weidel-talk/a-71266331
Microsoft Exchange and Outlook - Schleswig-Holstein
"Schleswig-Holstein has moved from Microsoft Exchange and Outlook to Open-Xchange and Thunderbird for e-mail."
https://www.zdnet.com/article/german-state-replaces-microsoft-exchange-and-outlook-with-open-source-email/
#xodus
Microsoft Office, OS -- Lyon, France
"The French city of Lyon has taken a major step toward digital sovereignty by officially starting a move away from Microsoft software. . The city is gradually set to replace Microsoft Office with open source alternatives like ONLYOFFICE and switch from Windows to Linux-based operating systems to reduce dependency on proprietary offerings."
Zoom, Google Teams, Webex, GoTo -- France
"The French government referenced some of these concerns when it announced last week that 2.5 million civil servants would stop using video conference tools from U.S. providers — including Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Webex and GoTo Meeting — by 2027 and switch to Visio, a homegrown service."
https://apnews.com/article/europe-digital-sovereignty-big-tech-9f5388b68a0648514cebc8d92f682060
#xodus
European governments are moving away from U.S. tech giants, opting for domestic or open-source alternatives. France plans to replace Zoom and Teams with a homegrown video conference system by 2027. Austria's military has adopted open-source office software, and a German state has switched to free software for administrative tasks. This shift aims for “digital sovereignty” amid concerns over data privacy and reliance on U.S. companies. The movement has gained momentum due to geopolitical tensions and fears of tech companies cutting off access. European officials emphasize the importance of not being dependent on a single country or company.
"AI" features -- European Parliament
"The European Parliament has disabled AI features on the work devices of lawmakers and their staff over cybersecurity and data protection concerns.
The European Union has beefed up its data security policies in recent years, in part due to concerns around foreign technology vendors. A group of lawmakers in November urged the Parliament to ditch internal use of Microsoft software in favor of a European alternative."
https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-parliament-blocks-ai-features-over-cyber-privacy-fears/
Visa, Mastercard -- UK
"UK bank bosses will hold their first meeting to establish a national alternative to Visa and Mastercard.
About 95% of UK card transactions are made using payment systems owned by Mastercard and Visa.
In Russia, where businesses are reliant on Visa and Mastercard for 60% of payments, US sanctions that forced the companies to turn off their services left ordinary people stranded without access to funds and unable to buy goods."
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/feb/16/uk-bank-bosses-plan-visa-mastercard-alternative
One individual example of the importance for Europe to build digital sovereignty.
"French ICC Judge Nicolas Guillou is living a nightmare after the US sanctioned him and other judges for issuing an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, once again exposing the risk of Europeans' reliance on American services."
https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2026/02/18/us-sanctions-turn-international-criminal-court-judges-daily-life-into-a-nightmare
#Xodus
French ICC Judge Nicolas Guillou is living a nightmare after the US sanctioned him and other judges for issuing an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, once again exposing the risk of Europeans' reliance on American services. #EuropeNews
X - Cambridge, MA
"X-it stage left: Cambridge residents using the social media platform formerly known as Twitter will have to look elsewhere for municipal updates starting this spring."
https://www.wbur.org/news/2026/03/04/cambridge-x-twitter-ban
#Xodus
The Cambridge City Council unanimously passed a ban Monday on city agencies using X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, starting this May. Councilor Ayah Al-Zubi, who co-sponsored the measure, said it was an idea that "came directly from our constituents."
Looks like not only do you need homegrown digital capability, you also need to put protections in place so the global predators don't just buy them.
Ah yes the privatisation is a whole other can of beans, I blame it on too many Conservative and pseudo-Conservative governments. More like public privation if you ask me.
Some things are simply not meant to be privatised.
"Oh CelloMom you don't understand. Private companies are the most efficient."
Yeah. The most efficient at sucking out money. I'd rather have inefficiency working for the public good, thanks.
CelloMom On Cars
Not The LBC Guy