- Proprietary document formats, especially those from Microsoft Office, create dependency by binding data to specific software, leading to 'lock-in'.
- Microsoft's OOXML was standardized but remains proprietary in practice due to its complexity and Microsoft's implementation dominance.
- Lock-in affects individuals and institutions, risking document integrity and long-term access, especially in critical sectors like government and law.
- True digital sovereignty requires adopting open standards like ODF, open fonts, and archival formats like PDF/A to ensure independence and accessibility.
- Every document embodies hidden dependencies, making format choices critical for avoiding vendor control and ensuring future readability.