Keynote opening Digital Commons EDIC: Moving beyond the Digital Uncommons - Bert Hubert's writings
2 days ago
- The launch of the Digital Commons European Digital Infrastructure Consortium (DC EDIC) included member states and demonstrated European software like LaSuite, OpenDesk, and MijnBureau.
- Europe's digital autonomy is critically threatened by reliance on US technology, affecting government communications and data security, as highlighted by cases like the International Criminal Court's vulnerability to US sanctions.
- The talk emphasized the distinction between digital autonomy and digital commons, advocating for commons that ensure government control without dependency on US platforms.
- Cultural acceptance of US platforms in government communications (e.g., YouTube for press conferences, X for official messages) undermines digital sovereignty and exposes citizens to inappropriate content and tracking.
- Key requirements for successful digital commons include good technology and governance, plus marketing, sales, and as-a-service models, with a focus on usability to avoid failure.
- The EDIC can help by gathering and highlighting successful examples from member states, setting norms by using open platforms itself, and educating both governments and developers.
- Email (SMTP) has been lost as a digital commons due to major US providers blocking non-compliant servers; legal action could help reclaim it.
- Replacing Microsoft 365 is extremely challenging and requires careful preparation; governments like Schleswig-Holstein's selective migration offer a cautious approach, as only one chance exists to succeed.
- The DC EDIC should aim for ambitious goals like regaining digital autonomy through commons, while also focusing on modest steps like outreach and norm-setting.