Could This German Software Be the Ultimate Breakthrough for Breaking Free from Big Tech?
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is making a big change to its computer systems. It is moving away from software made by American companies like Microsoft. Instead, the court will use a German solution called openDesk. This decision affects how about 1,800 employees at the court do their daily work.
The change comes after the court felt pressure from the United States government. President Trump’s administration imposed sanctions that made the ICC aware of a problem. The court realized it relied too heavily on US technology. This reliance could be a risk. To protect its independence, the ICC decided it was time to find a new path for its digital tools. This move is a step toward what is known as digital sovereignty, which means having full control over your own digital systems.
What is openDesk?
openDesk is the new software the ICC will use. It is provided by a German government-owned company called the Center for Digital Sovereignty (ZenDIS). ZenDIS helps public organizations gain more control over their technology. openDesk is an open-source package, meaning its design is publicly accessible, which many believe makes it more secure and trustworthy.
It gives workers all the main tools they need for their jobs. These tools help them work together from their web browsers without needing to install complex programs.
- Writing and Editing: Create and edit documents, similar to Microsoft Word.
- Email: A full email system for all communication.
- Teamwork: Chat, video calls, and file sharing for easy collaboration.
- Planning: Tools for managing projects and tasks.
This switch is important. It shows other large, international groups that they do not have to depend on a few big tech companies. They can choose other options to ensure they remain independent and in control of their own data and communications.