Key facts
- British MPs are calling on the government to formally recognize security risks from dependence on foreign technology firms.
- The MPs' letter highlights fears that the US administration could use dependence on American tech providers for geopolitical leverage.
- The UK's National Risk Register does not address risks related to service discontinuation or interference from foreign states.
- The letter states the UK is contracting Palantir for Ministry of Defence data systems.
- The Liberal Democrats have pledged a strategy for British digital sovereignty prioritizing UK firms.
- The Open Rights Group warned that Britain's critical digital infrastructure is dependent on US technology companies.
British lawmakers are urging the government to formally acknowledge the security risks associated with the UK's reliance on foreign technology providers, particularly those based in the United States. A letter sent to Cabinet Office Minister Darren Jones highlights concerns that the US administration, under Donald Trump, could exploit this dependence for geopolitical advantage. The MPs argue that the UK's National Risk Register fails to adequately address threats such as service discontinuation or interference stemming from foreign governments compelling service providers, a risk they believe meets the threshold for inclusion.
The signatories, including MPs from the Green Party, Liberal Democrats, Plaid Cymru, and Labour, point out that while other European nations are openly discussing and taking steps to reduce their reliance on US tech, the UK has not disclosed its risks or outlined a "digital sovereignty" strategy. The letter specifically mentions the UK's contracting of Palantir for critical components of the Ministry of Defence's data systems, a move that has drawn criticism from cross-party MPs over privacy and dependency fears.
According to analysis shared by the Liberal Democrats, the UK government has nearly £8 billion in active contracts with US tech giants. The party advocates for a new strategy focused on British digital sovereignty, prioritizing procurement from domestic firms and ensuring strategic data and infrastructure remain within the UK. The Open Rights Group has also warned that the UK's critical digital infrastructure is dangerously dependent on a few American companies, with sensitive operations running on foundations controlled by foreign corporations, posing a direct threat to UK businesses.