Link: https://pplware.sapo.pt/google/google-critica-o-plano-da-europa-para-adotar-software-livre/

Google has criticized the European Union’s intentions to achieve digital sovereignty through open-source software. The company warned that Brussels’ policies aimed at reducing dependence on American tech companies could harm competitiveness. According to Google, the idea of replacing current tools with open-source programs would not contribute to economic growth.

Kent Walker, Google’s president of global affairs and chief legal officer, warned of a competitive paradox that Europe is facing. According to the Financial Times, he said that creating regulatory barriers would be harmful in a context of rapid technological advancement. His remarks came just days after the European Commission concluded a public consultation assessing the transition to open-source software.

Google’s chief legal officer clarified that he is not opposed to digital sovereignty, but recommended making use of the “best technologies in the world.” Walker suggested that American companies could collaborate with European firms to implement measures ensuring data protection. Local management or servers located in Europe to store information are among the options.

The EU is preparing a technological sovereignty package aimed at eliminating dependence on third-party software, such as Google’s. After reviewing proposals, it concluded that reliance on external suppliers for critical infrastructure entails economic risks and creates vulnerabilities. The strategy focuses not only on regulation but also on adopting open-source software to achieve digital sovereignty.

According to Google, this change would represent a problem for users. Walker argues that the market moves faster than legislation and warns that regulatory friction will only leave European consumers and businesses behind in what he calls “the most competitive technological transition we have ever seen.” As it did with the DMA and other laws, Google is playing on fear. Kent Walker suggested that this initiative would stifle innovation and deny people access to the “best digital tools.”

The promotion of open-source software aims to break dependence on foreign suppliers, especially during a period of instability caused by the Trump administration. The European Union has highlighted the risks of continuing under this system and proposes that public institutions should have full control over their own technology.

According to a study on the impact of open-source software, the European Commission found that it contributes between €65 billion and €95 billion annually to the European Union’s GDP. The executive body estimates that a 10% increase in contributions to open-source software would generate an additional €100 billion in growth for the bloc’s economy.

I would be worried if the contrary happens...

Lol, what competition? If anything this'll increase it, since suddenly, there's room for others.

bad for competition?
If people want FOSS software, well go make a good product then!

It means we're doing something right.

Fuck Google

Fuck Alphabet, forever

Drug dealer critizises addict's intention to get clean.

suggested that this initiative would stifle innovation and deny people access to the “best digital tools.”

While I read this section, my google-home powered radio stopped for no reason (just like it does often these days).
I opened my home assistant control pannel and launched it again from there.

I'm looking forward to the day I finish my transition to 100% home assistant!

it stated that the creation of regulatory barriers would be harmful in a context of rapid technological advancement.

"RaPiD tEcHnOlOgIcAl AdVaNcEmEnT", we all know what that is.

FCK Fascist-Alphabet

It probably refers to advances in AI-driven surveillance on behalf of the US Government.

Google has forgotten how to do competition.

European administration offices don't need the best technologies in the world, they just need a freakin office program they can trust...

Guys u should try out Facegpt ai it's really good