2025-09-25 –, Apollo
When you store data in the cloud, do you know who really controls it? In an era of increasing geopolitical tension and growing awareness around digital sovereignty, Dutch research institutes have already begun repatriating sensitive data from US servers to Dutch-controlled storage. This talk explores the hidden risks behind common cloud choices, from legal access by foreign governments to the ethical implications of supporting politically active tech giants. We’ll look at what it means to own your data, how regional storage might not be enough, and what it takes to build an EU-hosted, open-source data platform stack. If you’re a data engineer, architect, or technology leader who cares about privacy, control, and sustainable infrastructure, this talk will equip you with the insight—and motivation—to make different choices.
Cloud infrastructure is a foundational part of modern data platforms—but are we fully aware of the trade-offs we make when choosing a provider? This talk makes the case that using US-based cloud services may no longer be a safe or ethical default for organizations operating in Europe. It aims to shift the mindset from convenience to sovereignty, from reliance to control.
The talk will consist of five parts:
- What Is a Data Platform and How Did We Get Here?
- The Status Quo: What Do Companies Use Today?
- Why You Should Be Concerned
- What Are the Alternatives and What Do We Really Need?
- Call to Action: Join the Movement
This talk is targeted at data engineers, architects, and technically-minded decision-makers. No prior knowledge of specific tools is required—just an interest in the future of cloud data infrastructure and a willingness to challenge the status quo.
Manuel Spierenburg is a Data Engineer with a background in software engineering and data science. He's worked with many different languages and tools across various industries, making him a Swiss army knife in the data world. He delivers pragmatic and elegant solutions that create real impact.
When Manuel isn't crunching numbers, he's spending time with his family, including his two kids, or learning new tricks on a skateboard.