Sunset at the Spreespeicher in Berlin – Digital Sovereignty and Open Source – luckycloud

Digital Sovereignty 2026: Open Source as the Foundation of Independent Cloud Systems

Data protection and digital sovereignty are often equated. In practice, however, the two terms describe different goals. Data protection fulfills legal requirements. Digital sovereignty ensures technical control over systems, data flows, and dependencies. A solution can be compliant on paper while still preventing organizations from understanding how data is processed. This growing conflict is particularly evident in the cloud environment.

Compliant on Paper, but No Control Over Data Flows

The decision of the Hessian Data Protection Officer regarding the use of Microsoft 365 highlights this gap: According to the report, Microsoft 365 may be considered compliant under certain conditions. However, the technical reality remains unchanged. Telemetry and diagnostic data are still automatically processed and cannot be fully deactivated or audited. Organizations must rely on provider disclosures and cannot verify processing steps. While data protection may be formally satisfied, digital control is not.

Bitkom Study: Demand for Digital Independence Is Growing

A recent Bitkom study confirms this trend. 73 percent of surveyed companies and public institutions view open source as a tool to strengthen digital sovereignty. At the same time, only a small portion has concrete strategies to reduce technological dependencies. Many organizations recognize the importance of independence but remain hesitant in implementation. The study reveals: Insight exists, but structured decision-making processes are lacking.

Why Open Source Is Gaining Importance in Sovereign Cloud Infrastructures

Open source technologies enable transparency, verifiability, and interoperability. Security mechanisms can be understood, and systems remain interchangeable even if circumstances change. Proprietary cloud platforms concentrate control with the provider and make it harder to exit due to technical dependencies—known as vendor lock-in.

luckycloud relies on open technologies and a fully transparent architecture. Data processing takes place exclusively in Germany, without hidden telemetry data or external subprocessors. Users retain full control over identities, storage locations, and access levels—working within a truly sovereign cloud infrastructure (link).

How Organizations Can Achieve Digital Sovereignty in the Cloud

Digital sovereignty is not achieved through compliance papers, but through technical design. Key factors include:

  • Complete auditability of data processing
  • Open standards instead of proprietary integrations
  • Data storage within clearly defined legal frameworks
  • Exit strategies without technical barriers

Open source is the foundation for independent, secure, and long-term sustainable cloud infrastructures.

Conclusion: Open Source as a Strategic Pillar of Modern Cloud Systems

The current debate shows that data protection and digital control must be considered separately. Legal compliance alone is not enough. Organizations that aim for long-term stability, security, and independence need cloud models that are transparent, verifiable, and free from technical dependencies. Open source is therefore evolving from a technical option to a strategic decision.

If you want to learn more about our sovereign cloud models and the opportunities with luckycloud, get in touch. Or test luckycloud free for 14 days!

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