{
  "id": 13371161,
  "title": "EC users should be afraid of a US kill switch - not some new software",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/10/ec-users-should-be-afraid-of-a-us-kill-switch-not-some-new-software",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-10T09:05:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Register Science",
    "slug": "the-register-science",
    "url": "https://www.theregister.com/columnists/2026/10/10/ec-users-should-be-afraid-of-a-us-kill-switch-not-some-new-software/5301875"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "European Commission staff are expressing alarm over a backup system to Microsoft Teams, despite it being intended to maintain communication continuity. Critics claim the alternative, Element Pro, is inferior and that the US could instantly cripple European operations by cutting off technology access. However, this fear is largely unfounded, as the EC is merely establishing a secondary communication channel to mitigate risks. The new system, built on the open-source Element platform, allows for greater control over data and reduces reliance on external services. While some users may find the transition inconvenient, the EC believes the long-term benefits of enhanced digital sovereignty outweigh the short-term discomfort.",
  "summary": "EU executive branch is building a sovereign backup with Element, not replacing Teams. Not yet anyway",
  "key_points": [
    "EC staff alarmed by backup system Element Pro",
    "US could cut off technology access to EC operations",
    "Open-source Element platform enhances data control"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Register",
        "title": "EC users should be afraid of a US kill switch - not some new software",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/10/ec-users-should-be-afraid-of-a-us-kill-switch-not-some-new-software-13373301",
        "published": "2026-10-10T09:05:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}