The core dilemma:
Private control over critical infrastructure: National defense capabilities now depend on decisions made by profit-driven corporations based in foreign countries (primarily the US). These companies can:
- Cut off services unilaterally (as Microsoft just did to Israel)
- Be compelled by their home government to restrict access
- Prioritize shareholder profits over client nation security needs
- Have different political or ethical standards than their military clients
Real vulnerabilities this creates:
Economic leverage as geopolitical weapon: The US could potentially use cloud service restrictions as a form of sanctions or pressure, similar to how it uses SWIFT banking restrictions.
Single points of failure: As the US Navy example shows, militaries can become so dependent they "can't separate" from these platforms "without a complete rebuild from the ground up" US Navy: Custom cloud stuck in Azure without rebuild • The Register.
Data sovereignty concerns: Sensitive military intelligence may be stored on servers in foreign jurisdictions, subject to foreign laws and potential government access.
Why nations accept this risk:
No realistic alternatives: Building equivalent domestic capacity would take "years and massive investment" while "hyperscaler cloud services deliver unmatched capability at scale" Canada's Cloud Dependence: DND's Mission Critical Ops on US Clouds and Sovereignty | Windows Forum.
Comment: The USA is investing unprecedented amounts of resources in computer infrastructure. There is no alternative. Gradually, I'm understanding the problem. Google seems more friendly.
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