US Firms Control Memory

Large portions of humanity’s memory and data have moved from public archives to servers and platforms managed by a handful of technology companies, raising concerns about “cybercolonialism.” Studies indicate that a single provider controls more than 80% of some cloud-computing markets, while the three largest U.S. companies together hold over 60% of others. Storing data within a country’s borders does not guarantee sovereignty over it if a foreign operator controls the infrastructure and access keys and may be subject to the laws of its home country. AI models may also reinforce bias and marginalize less-represented languages and cultures; UNESCO warns that nearly half of the world’s writing systems are absent from digital platforms. The article recommends building sovereign archives, adopting open standards and using multiple providers, developing local capabilities, and forging regional alliances to protect data and heritage.

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