Canada has made digital sovereignty a priority in areas such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence and telecommunications. But one important part of its digital infrastructure has received far less attention: the operating systems running government computers.

Why does the federal government depend so heavily on software from a foreign company? And could Canada reduce that dependence by developing its own alternative?

My new study argues that Canada could save millions over the next decade by adopting a national, free and open-source operating system.

Such a move could also give Canada greater control over its digital infrastructure and reduce its reliance on technology providers from the United States amid growing trade tensions.

Why operating systems matter

Governments around the world are increasingly concerned about who controls their data, infrastructure and software. This is known as “digital sovereignty” and it has become a central focus of global policy.

Edward Snowden’s 2013 disclosures helped bring these concerns to public attention. Snowden, a former U.S. intelligence contractor, revealed extensive U.S. government surveillance, including the collection of communications data.

The U.S. later passed the Clarifying Lawful Overseas Use of Data Act, which permits American authorities to compel U.S.-based providers like Microsoft, Google, AWS, Amazon and Meta to disclose data within their control, even when it’s stored abroad. This means that even storing data with American companies in Canada does not place it beyond the reach of the U.S. government.

Yet........

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