Based on Proton's survey of 3,000 consumers in the UK, Germany, and France, published 16 February 2026
Europe Wants More Control
A major survey by Proton of 3,000 consumers in the UK, Germany, and France reveals that Europeans are increasingly worried about their dependence on US tech companies. And they're ready to act.
73% of Europeans believe their societies are far too dependent on US tech companies. Among those, a staggering 83% are concerned about this dependence.
UK Key Findings
The UK paints a clear picture: Brits are aware of the dependence and want change.
believe Europe is reliant on US apps and services
are concerned about that reliance
have followed US–Europe political/economic tensions
say the news cycle makes them more likely to prefer European services
would choose a European alternative if price/features were comparable
say their concern about using US apps has increased in the past year
The Broader European Picture
The UK findings fit a broader European pattern. In Germany, 65% believe Europe is dependent, with a striking 90% expressing concern. In France, the figure is 80%, with 85% concerned.
Stronger data privacy protections are the most important factor across all three countries. About 66% cite security against hacking and fraud as a key motivator. Europeans want their data stored under European law, not US regulations like the CLOUD Act.
What Europeans Want
It's not just about privacy. Europeans want their tech purchases to create local jobs and strengthen their own economies. They want to determine their own digital future — not depend on decisions made in Washington.
"The EU runs on Microsoft. The US could turn us off inside one hour." — Aura Salla, Finnish MEP, at the Open Source Policy Summit 2026
The French government has announced it will stop using Zoom and Teams by 2027. The EU has issued a Declaration for European Digital Sovereignty. The momentum is building.
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