Why Big Tech is incompatible with democracy | Bruno Giussani

Digital technologies have shifted from simple products to invisible, cloud-based architectures that grant providers immense power over daily life, public debate, and individual autonomy. This "algorithmization" of society creates a systemic vulnerability, particularly for Europe, where reliance on American platforms and software exposes the continent to foreign political and economic coercion. Because these technologies are increasingly aligned with American military and strategic interests, maintaining this dependence threatens democratic freedom. To regain digital sovereignty, Europe must aggressively pursue a "de-Americanization" strategy by prioritizing local, open-source alternatives in public procurement and fostering a technological model centered on transparency, interoperability, and privacy. Moving away from surveillance-based business models is not only a matter of economic resilience but a necessary step to protect democratic values from the encroaching grip of centralized, authoritarian-leaning tech giants.