Why Microsoft’s ‘Sovereign’ European Cloud Promise Just Collapsed Under Oath?

Can Microsoft Really Protect Your European Data From US Government Snooping?

Microsoft promised European customers their data would stay in Europe, protected by local laws. But here’s the troubling truth: that promise just got torn apart in a French Senate hearing. A Microsoft executive admitted under oath that the company cannot guarantee European data won’t end up in US government hands.

This admission destroys the whole idea of a “sovereign” European cloud. Let me explain why this matters so much for you.

What Happened in the French Senate

On June 10, 2025, Anton Carniaux from Microsoft France faced tough questions from French senators. They asked him directly: can you promise that French citizen data will never go to the US government without France’s permission?

His answer was shocking: “No, I cannot guarantee that.”

This wasn’t just casual talk. Carniaux was under oath, meaning he had to tell the truth or face legal consequences. The admission came during a hearing about France’s digital independence.

The US Cloud Act Makes Microsoft’s Hands Tied

Here’s why Microsoft can’t protect your data: the US Cloud Act. This 2018 law forces American companies to hand over data to US authorities when asked – even if that data sits in European servers.

The law works like this:

• US authorities can demand data from any American company
• It doesn’t matter where the data is stored
• The company must comply with valid requests
• They often can’t even tell you it happened

Microsoft explained they resist “unfounded” requests, but if the US government follows proper procedures, Microsoft must comply. No European data center location changes this fact.

Why European Leaders Are Worried

European governments want “digital sovereignty” – control over their own digital infrastructure and data. They’ve been moving away from Microsoft services because of these exact concerns.

France’s Health Data Hub stores sensitive medical information on Microsoft Azure. Now senators know this data could potentially be accessed by US authorities without French approval. This creates serious problems for:

• National security: Government secrets could be exposed
• Personal privacy: Citizens’ private information at risk
• Business competition: Companies lose competitive advantages

The Technical Fixes Don’t Work

Microsoft tried to address these concerns with technical solutions:

• Data centers in Europe
• European staff controlling access
• Customer-controlled encryption
• Promises data won’t leave the EU

But none of these technical measures matter when US law requires compliance. As one expert put it: “UK or EU servers make no difference when jurisdiction lies elsewhere”.

Other US Cloud Companies Face the Same Problem

Microsoft isn’t alone. Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, and other major US providers all face identical legal requirements under the Cloud Act.

This means:

• Switching between US providers doesn’t solve the problem
• Only non-US companies can offer true data sovereignty
• European alternatives like OVH become more attractive

What This Means for European Businesses

If you’re a European company using Microsoft’s cloud services, here’s what you need to know:

Legal risks: Using US cloud services may violate GDPR rules about data transfers

Trust issues: You can’t promise customers their data stays private

Compliance problems: Government contracts may be at risk

Limited options: Most major cloud providers are American companies

The Path Forward for Digital Independence

European leaders are pushing for real alternatives:

• Sovereign cloud projects: European-only providers with no US legal obligations
• Stronger regulations: Laws requiring government agencies to use European services
• Investment in alternatives: Funding for European cloud infrastructure

Some countries are already taking action. Denmark’s digital ministry is considering dropping Microsoft entirely. Other European agencies are reviewing their contracts with US providers.

Empty Promises Exposed

Microsoft’s “sovereign European cloud” marketing was just that – marketing. When put under oath, their executive couldn’t back up the promises with guarantees.

This admission proves what critics have long said: you can’t have true data sovereignty while using American cloud providers. The US legal system will always have the final say over American companies, regardless of where they store your data.

For European businesses and governments serious about protecting their data, the message is clear: if you want real control, you need European solutions. Microsoft’s honest admission, while embarrassing for the company, actually helps clarify the situation for everyone making these important decisions.