Sovereignty is not only about nation state sovereignty, it’s also about self-determination: the choice to change between technologies, know what happens with their data, and the ability to shape our technology. At the very least, democratic technology is about having tech that supports and protects our public interest and democratic values, instead of undermining it.
On the occasion of the Franco-German Summit on Digital Sovereignty, we presented the newly established Democratic Tech Alliance – a coalition which brings together policymakers, civil society, and industry to help build EU actions toward a values-based tech ecosystem.
For the first time, the Democratic Tech Alliance will join forces to present joint demands to the Franco-German, EU governments and the European Commission.
It is time to join forces around democratic technology.
The role of the Democratic Tech Alliance
The Democratic Tech Alliance supports a European digital ecosystem that contributes to strategic resilience, innovation and democracy, as well as a fair and diverse market. This means:
- Apart from regulation and investment in domestic industry, Europe needs to work closely with trusted international partners. Even more so in areas where the EU lacks its own capacity
- Promoting a collaborative and inclusive approach to tech development
- Favoring tech that embraces sustainable development and deployment, interoperability, cooperation, ethical and inclusive governance.
- Incentivizing those business models that align with Europe’s public interrest
- Prioritize the federation of technology rather than more accumulation