I know people in the US are focused on DOGE, but over here in Europe, the impression is that the US completely destroyed its soft power this week. The expectation is that especially US tech will be weaponized, so people are switching search engines, studying dollar alternatives. If you think I am exaggerating, read the FT, Times, etc...
Are people talking about this - do they take it seriously or believe there is no alternative to US tech? What does it mean for US startups, California and global tech?
Ask HN: Do US tech firms realize the backlash growing in Europe?
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Re: Ask HN: Do US tech firms realize the backlash growing in Europe?
#2Tesla FSD wont be authorized in Europe, this will be one direct consequence of all of that.
In addition, tariffs will be put on cars coming from the US.
Plus, US is now recognized as a very unreliable partner in terms of defense, that Europe regrets buying their systems.
Re: Ask HN: Do US tech firms realize the backlash growing in Europe?
#3That's honestly happening here, too. So many of my acquaintances are dropping big tech reliances. Some of us are building our own tools as work around where we can.
Re: Ask HN: Do US tech firms realize the backlash growing in Europe?
#4Any links to read what people in EU are saying?
Re: Ask HN: Do US tech firms realize the backlash growing in Europe?
#5Tesla FSD wont be authorized in Europe, this will be one direct consequence of all of that. In addition, tariffs will be put on cars coming from the US. Plus, US is now recognized as a very unreliable partner in terms of defense, that Europe regrets buying their systems.
Will this really happen? Or will the US prevent Europe from doing that by saying “then defend from Russia all by yourself?”
Re: Ask HN: Do US tech firms realize the backlash growing in Europe?
#6Good headlines for sure, but i wonder:
Suppose the war ends. Will the Europeans keep boycotting the cheap russian gas?
Tarriffs are a nuisance to the US - the US doesn't export much.
Re: Ask HN: Do US tech firms realize the backlash growing in Europe?
#7[deleted]
Re: Ask HN: Do US tech firms realize the backlash growing in Europe?
#8For what it counts, I deleted my Amazon account today (and lost all my Kindle books in the process), I'll never buy anything from them again.
I'll close my S3 storage account with a US company in the coming months : I'll switch to a German service.
In the coming weeks, I'll also delete my GMail account (my devices are already deGoogled since many years).
There a lot of European alternatives that respect our privacy, our values and principles.
Re: Ask HN: Do US tech firms realize the backlash growing in Europe?
#9I was just thinking today how long will it be until Windows is turned into a weapon. I know I know, but its not really paranoid to think that anymore is it? Imagine the chaos around the world caused by Windows machines simultaneously reformatting hard disks except in America.
Re: Ask HN: Do US tech firms realize the backlash growing in Europe?
#10That's honestly happening here, too. So many of my acquaintances are dropping big tech reliances. Some of us are building our own tools as work around where we can.
I thought that people on HN always did that as a hobby anyway?