- France is “leading by example” by going all-in on digital sovereignty
- Linux operating systems will be favored over Windows
- There are already plans to move a health data platform
France is set to move all government desktops from Windows to Linux as part of a nationwide strategy to cut costs and reduce dependence on US tech giants.
The initiative, led by the inter-ministerial directorate for digital affairs (DINUM), will require all ministries to submit their own migration plans by autumn 2026, with IT bodies such as DINUM kick-starting the migration before other bodies.
“DINUM will coordinate a cross-departmental plan to reduce non-European dependencies,” DINUM said in a statement.
The article continues below
Full speed ahead to remove US Big Tech
What we’re seeing in France is part of a broader European sovereignty push, with other member states trying to reduce dependence on US tech giants and regain control of their own software.
“Digital sovereignty is not an option, it is a strategic necessity,” wrote Minister Delegate for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Affairs Anne Le Hénanff.
“France is leading by example by accelerating the transition to sovereign, interoperable and sustainable solutions.”
The push covers more than just Windows – collaboration tools, cloud and infrastructure, AI systems, databases and networks are all reviewed under the sovereign drive.
France’s government has already confirmed plans to move a health data platform to another “trusted solution”, and workers from the country’s National Health Insurance Fund (CNAM) will have access to local software alternatives such as Tchap, Visio and FranceTransfert.
When it comes to replacing Windows operating systems with Linux, the benefits are twofold. Not only will the open source alternatives give France better control over security and updates, but the open source nature itself prevents vendor lock-in and high licensing costs.
“We must desensitize ourselves from American tools and regain control of our digital destiny,” concluded Action and Public Accounts Minister David Amiel.
Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews and opinions in your feeds. Be sure to click the Follow button!
And of course you can too follow TechRadar on TikTok for news, reviews, video unboxings, and get regular updates from us on WhatsApp also.
