EUROPEANS OVERWHELMINGLY DISTRUST US, CHINESE TECH FIRMS

The survey, spanning six European nations, reveals a stark trust deficit in foreign tech giants. Nearly nine in 10 respondents expressed concern about data handling by Chinese companies, while roughly four in five questioned the practices of US-based firms. These numbers come as Europe intensifies efforts to reduce dependency on foreign technology and establish stricter data governance frameworks. The EU has already implemented measures like the Digital Services Act and strengthened data protection regulations to address citizen concerns. The widespread distrust reflects broader anxieties about data privacy, surveillance capabilities, and the geopolitical implications of tech concentration. European policymakers have increasingly positioned data sovereignty as a strategic priority, encouraging investment in homegrown alternatives and regional tech infrastructure. The survey underscores the challenge facing both American and Chinese technology companies operating in Europe, as regulatory pressure mounts alongside consumer skepticism about their data practices.