Daily Archives: September 28, 2025

Israeli military company now owns many popular VPN products

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Social media users are calling for the mass cancellation of ExpressVPN subscriptions after it was revealed that a cybersecurity firm with Israeli ties owns the popular privacy service.

In 2021, The Times of Israel reported that Kape Technologies, a British-Israeli digital security company, acquired ExpressVPN, one of the world’s largest virtual private network (VPN) providers, for nearly $1bn.

[…]

Kape Technologies, based in London and founded in 2010, has previously acquired VPN services, including CyberGhost, ZenMate, and Private Internet Access.

People across social media have urged users to delete the app, citing concerns over surveillance, military ties, and ethical complicity.

[…]

Source: Outcry over ExpressVPN ownership: What the Israeli connection means for user privacy | Middle East Eye

Seemingly safe to use at the time of writing: NordVPN, Surfshark, Mullvad (please do your own research!)

New digital ID will be mandatory to work in the UK. Ausweiss bitte!

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Digital ID will be mandatory in order to work in the UK, as part of plans to tackle illegal migration.

Sir Keir Starmer said the new digital ID scheme would make it tougher to work in the UK illegally and offer “countless benefits” to citizens, while his senior minister Darren Jones said it could be “the bedrock of the modern state”.

However, opposition parties argued the proposals would not stop people crossing the Channel in small boats.

The prime minister set out his plans in a broader speech to a gathering of world leaders, in which he said it had been “too easy” for people to work illegally in the UK because the centre-left had been “squeamish” about saying things that were “clearly true”.

[…]

Another Labour prime minister, Sir Tony Blair, tried to introduce compulsory ID cards but the idea was scrapped by the Conservative-Lib Dem coalition in 2010.

However, Sir Keir has recently said he believes the debate has “moved on in the last 20 years” as “we all carry a lot more digital ID now than we did”.

Labour believes its new proposal has public support, although more than a million people have signed a petition against the idea.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said the plan would “do nothing to stop the boats” but would “end up being used against law-abiding citizens while crooks walk free”.

She also expressed concern about the security of the data saying it would be a risk to put the information “in one database”.

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said his party would “fight tooth and nail” against the scheme which would “add to our tax bills and bureaucracy, whilst doing next to nothing to tackle channel crossings”.

Some campaign groups have also objected to the plan, with Liberty arguing it raised “huge concerns” about mass surveillance, while Big Brother Watch said it would make the country “less free”.

[…]

The new digital ID will be held on people’s phones, in a similar way to contactless payment cards or the NHS app.

It is expected to include a person’s name, date of birth, nationality or residency status and a photo.

The consultation will also consider whether additional information such as an address should be included.

[…]

The government said the roll-out would eventually make it simpler to apply for services like driving licences, childcare and welfare – as well as streamlining access to tax records.

[…]

Emlyn Jenkins, 23, is against digital IDs, describing the plan as “fascistic and horrible”.

“How will people who are homeless be affected if they don’t have access to a smartphone or they don’t have access to consistent internet?” she asked.

Arianwen Fox-James, 20, says she can see some practical benefits but is uncomfortable with the idea of a “centralised hub of all the data”.

[…]

data safety. “Every time these things get launched they get hacked,” she says. “Everyone hacks everything.”

Source: New digital ID will be mandatory to work in the UK

Another point: to fight migrants “taking jobs”  (hint: they are not) they are going to make it more difficult for those who don’t have jobs by making them incur costs and difficulties to get a government issued ID somehow and for temporary employers to check the validity of these IDs. So that will probably actually raise the amount of illegal work being done.

Chinese hackers breach US software and law firms amid trade fight

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A team of suspected Chinese hackers has infiltrated US software developers and law firms in a sophisticated campaign to collect intelligence that could help Beijing in its ongoing trade fight with Washington, cybersecurity firm Mandiant said Wednesday.

The hackers have been rampant in recent weeks, hitting the cloud-computing firms that numerous American companies rely on to store key data, Mandiant, which is owned by Google, said. In a sign of how important China’s hacking army is in the race for tech supremacy, the hackers have also stolen US tech firms’ proprietary software and used it to find new vulnerabilities to burrow deeper into networks, according to Mandiant.

The FBI is investigating the intrusions and US officials are still trying to understand the full scope of the hacks, sources told CNN.

It’s a fresh five-alarm fire for the FBI’s cyber experts, who at any given time are investigating multiple sophisticated Chinese cyber-espionage campaigns aimed at US government and corporate secrets.

In some cases, the hackers have lurked undetected in the US corporate networks for over a year, quietly collecting intelligence, Mandiant said.

The disclosure comes after the Trump administration escalated America’s trade war with China this spring by slapping unprecedented tariffs on Chinese exports to the United States. The tit-for-tat tariffs set off a scramble in both governments to understand each other’s positions.

[…]

Source: Chinese hackers breach US software and law firms amid trade fight, experts say | CNN Politics

Scientists develop ‘glue gun’ that 3D prints bone grafts directly onto fractures

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Researchers have modified a standard glue gun to 3D print a bone-like material directly onto fractures, paving the way for its use in operating rooms.

The device, which has so far been tested in rabbits, would be particularly useful for fixing irregularly shaped fractures during surgery, the researchers say.

[…]

Typically, large fractures or other defects in bones require bone grafting and the use of a metal fastener, such as a pin or plate, to support the broken bone as it heals. But because the shape of these implants is not specific to a given patient’s fracture, this can result in poor alignment and compromised stability of the bone.

Previous studies have shown that 3D printing bespoke bone grafts for individual patients can be done, but these required considerable time and effort to make, preventing them from being used on the fly during surgery.

Now, in a study published Friday (Sept. 5) in the journal Device, Lee and colleagues detailed their new method of 3D printing a bone substitute directly onto a fracture using a glue gun.

Source: Scientists develop ‘glue gun’ that 3D prints bone grafts directly onto fractures | Live Science

When Fisker EV collapsed, its customers became the car company to keep it running

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In June 2024, seven months after Fleming’s purchase, Fisker collapsed into bankruptcy, having only delivered 11,000 vehicles.

Early adopters were left with cars plagued by battery failures, glitchy software, inconsistent key fobs, and door handles that did not always open. With the company gone, there was no way to fix any issues. Regulators logged dozens of complaints as replacement parts vanished. Passionate owners who spent top dollar on high-end trims saw their cars reduced to expensive driveway ornaments.

Rather than accept defeat, thousands of Ocean owners have organized into their own makeshift car company. The Fisker Owners Association (FOA) is a nonprofit that’s launched third-party apps, built a global parts supply chain, and came together around a future for their orphaned vehicles. It’s part car club, part tech startup, part survival mission. Fleming now serves as the organization’s president.

[…]

So far, 4,055 Ocean owners have signed up, paying $550 a year in dues that the group estimates will raise around $3 million annually, about 0.1 percent of Fisker’s peak valuation. Only verified Ocean owners can become full members, but anyone can donate.

The grassroots effort has precedent — DeLorean diehards and Saab enthusiasts have kept their favorite brands alive after factory closures. But those efforts focused on preserving aging vehicles. FOA is attempting something different: real-time software updates and hardware improvements for a connected, two-year-old EV fleet.

[…]

The organization has spawned three separate companies. Tsunami Automotive handles parts in North America while Tidal Wave covers Europe, scavenging insurance auctions and contracting with tooling manufacturers to reproduce components. UnderCurrent Automotive, run by former Google and Apple engineers, focuses on software solutions.

UnderCurrent’s first product is OceanLink Pro, a third-party mobile app now used by over 1,200 members that restores basic EV features, such as remote battery monitoring and climate control. A companion device called OceanLink Pulse adds wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, with plans for future upgrades including keyless entry.

“Those are things you would have expected to be in a $70,000 luxury car,” Bagley says. “But, you know, we’re happy to provide what the billion-dollar automaker apparently couldn’t.”

[…]

Source: When this EV maker collapsed, its customers became the car company | The Verge

For this kind of stuff to work, you need right to repair laws. You need the IP of the company to release so that software engineers can interface with the existing software.

Mesh-Mapper – Drone Remote ID mapping and mesh alerts

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Project Overview

The FAA’s Remote ID requirement, which became mandatory for most drones in September 2023, means every compliant drone now broadcasts its location, pilot position, and identification data via WiFi or Bluetooth. While this regulation was designed for safety and accountability (or to violate pilot privacy 😊), it also creates an unprecedented opportunity for personal airspace awareness.

This project harnesses that data stream to create a comprehensive detection and tracking system that puts you in control of knowing what’s flying overhead. Built around the powerful dual-core Xiao ESP32 S3 microcontroller, the system captures Remote ID transmissions on both WiFi and Bluetooth simultaneously, feeding the data into a sophisticated Python Flask web application that provides real-time visualization and logging.

But here’s where it gets really interesting: the system also integrates with Meshtastic networks, allowing multiple detection nodes to share information across a mesh network. This means you can deploy several ESP32 nodes across your property or neighborhood and have them all contribute to a unified picture of drone activity in your area.

Why This Project Matters

Remote ID represents a fundamental shift in airspace transparency. For the first time, civilian drones are required to broadcast their identity and location continuously. This creates opportunities for:

  • Privacy Protection: Know when drones are operating near your property and who is operating them
  • Personal Security: Monitor activity around sensitive locations like your home or business
  • Community Awareness: Share drone activity information with neighbors through mesh networks
  • Research: Understand drone traffic patterns and airspace usage in your area
  • Education: Learn about wireless protocols and modern airspace management
The key difference between this system and commercial drone detection 
solutions is that it puts the power of airspace awareness directly in your 
hands, using affordable hardware and open-source software.

While you can build this project using off-the-shelf ESP32 development boards, I’ve designed custom PCBs specifically optimized for Remote ID detection integration with Meshtastic that are that are available on my Tindie store. Thank you PCBway for the awesome boards! The combination of their top tier quality, competitive pricing, fast turnaround times, and stellar customer service makes PCBWay the go-to choice for professional PCB fabrication, whether you’re prototyping innovative mesh detection systems or scaling up for full production runs.

https://www.pcbway.com/

Step 1: Hardware Preparation

If using custom MeshDetect boards from Tindie:

  • Boards come pre-assembled, flashed, and tested
  • Includes Stock 915mhz and 2.4ghz antennas
  • USB-C programming interface ready to use

If building with standard ESP32 S3:

  • Xiao ESP32 S3 development board recommended
  • USB-C cable for connection and power
  • Optional upgraded3 2.4GHz antenna for better range
  • Optional Heltec Lora V3 for Mesthastic Integration

Step 2: Firmware Installation

To install the firmware onto your device, follow these steps:

1. Clone the repository:

git clone https://github.com/colonelpanichacks/drone-mesh-mapper

Open the project in PlatformIO: You can use the PlatformIO IDE (in VS Code) or the PlatformIO CLI.

2.Select the correct environment:

This project uses the remotied_mesh_dualcore sketch, which enables both BLE and Wi-Fi functionality.Make sure the platformio.ini environment is set to remoteid_mesh_dualcore.

3. Connect you device via usb and flash

Upload the firmware:

  • In the IDE, select the remoteid_mesh_dualcore environment and click the “Upload” button.

3. Sofware Installation

Install Python dependencies:

  • flask>=2.0.0
  • flask-socketio>=5.0.0
  • requests>=2.25.0
  • urllib3>=1.26.0
  • pyserial>=3.5

Run the detection system:

python mapper.py

The web interface automatically opens at http://localhost:5000

Step 4: Device Configuration

1. Connect ESP32 via USB-C

2. Select the correct serial port in the web interface

3. Click “Connect” to start receiving data

4. Configure device aliases and settings as needed

How It Works

The ESP32 S3’s dual-core architecture allows simultaneous monitoring of both WiFi and Bluetooth Remote ID transmissions:
  • Core 0 handles WiFi monitoring in promiscuous mode, capturing Remote ID data embedded in beacon frames and processing Neighbor Awareness Networking transmissions on channel 6 by default.
  • Core 1 continuously scans for Bluetooth LE advertisements containing Remote ID data, supporting both BT 4.0 and 5.0 protocols with optimized low-power scanning.
  • Both cores feed detected Remote ID data into a unified JSON output stream via USB serial at 115200 baud. The firmware is based on Cemaxacuter’s excellent Remote ID detection work, enhanced with dual-core operation.
  • The Python Flask web application receives this data and provides real-time visualization on an interactive map, automatic logging to CSV and KML files, FAA database integration for aircraft registration lookups, support for up to 3 ESP32 devices simultaneously, live data streaming via WebSocket, and comprehensive export functions.
Meshtastic Integration: Distributed Detection

One of the most exciting features is Meshtastic integration. The ESP32 firmware can send compact detection messages over UART to a connected Meshtastic device. This enables:

  • Distributed Monitoring: Multiple detection nodes sharing data across your property or neighborhood
  • Extended Range: Mesh networking extends effective coverage area beyond single-device limitations
  • Redundancy: Multiple nodes provide backup coverage if one device fails
  • Low-Power Operation: Meshtastic’s LoRa radios enable remote deployment without constant power
  • Community Networks: Integration with existing Meshtastic mesh networks for broader awareness
  • Messages sent over the mesh network use a compact format optimized for LoRa bandwidth constraints:

Features in Action

Real-Time Detection and Mapping

The web interface provides a Google Maps-style view with drone markers showing current aircraft positions, pilot markers indicating operator locations, color-coded flight paths derived from device MAC addresses, signal strength indicators showing detection quality, and automatic cleanup removing stale data after 5 minutes.

Data Export and Analysis

The system continuously generates multiple data formats including timestamped CSV logs perfect for spreadsheet analysis, Google Earth compatible KML files with flight path visualization featuring individual drone paths color-coded by device and timestamped waypoints, and JSON API providing real-time data access for custom integrations with RESTful endpoints and WebSocket streams.

FAA Database Integration

One of the most powerful features is automatic FAA registration lookup that queries the FAA database using detected Remote ID information, caches results to minimize API calls and improve performance, enriches detection data with aircraft registration details, and includes configurable rate limiting to respect API guidelines.

Multi-Device Coordination

The system supports up to three ESP32 devices simultaneously with automatic device discovery and connection, individual device health monitoring, load balancing across multiple receivers, and unified data view combining all devices.

Performance and Optimization

Reception Range

Testing has shown effective detection ranges of 5 Km in urban environments, 10-15 kilometers in open areas with good antennas, overlapping coverage that eliminates dead zones when using multiple devices, and significant improvement with external antennas compared to built-in antennas.

System Resources

The Python application is optimized for continuous operation with efficient memory management for large datasets, automatic log rotation to prevent disk space issues, WebSocket connection pooling for multiple clients, and configurable data retention policies.

For remote deployments, Meshtastic integration enables off-grid operation, webhook retry logic ensures reliable alert delivery, local data storage prevents data loss during network outages, and bandwidth optimization handles limited connections.

Privacy and Security Considerations

This system puts powerful airspace monitoring capabilities in individual hands, but it’s important to use it responsibly. The detection data contains location information about both drones and their operators, so implement appropriate data retention policies and be aware of local privacy regulations.

For network security, remember that the Flask development server is not production-ready, so consider a reverse proxy for production use and implement authentication for sensitive deployments. Use HTTPS for webhook communications and monitor for unauthorized access attempts.

The system enables you to know what’s flying over your property while respecting the legitimate privacy expectations of drone operators. It’s about transparency and awareness, not surveillance.

Conclusion

This Remote ID detection system represents a significant step forward in personal airspace awareness. The combination of dual-core ESP32 processing, comprehensive web-based interface, Meshtastic mesh integration, and professional data export features creates a platform that’s both accessible to makers and powerful enough for serious privacy protection applications.

The availability of custom-designed PCBs on Tindie removes the barrier of hardware design, while the open-source firmware and software ensure complete customizability. Whether you’re building a single-node setup for personal property monitoring or deploying a mesh network for neighborhood-wide awareness, this system provides the foundation for comprehensive drone detection and tracking.

As more drones come online with Remote ID compliance, having your own detection system becomes increasingly valuable for maintaining privacy and situational awareness of your local airspace

Resources and Links

Mesh Mapper Github : https://github.com/colonelpanichacks/drone-mesh-mapper

Mesh Detect Github (all firmware for Mesh Detect boards: https://github.com/colonelpanichacks/mesh-detect

Mesh Detect SMA mount clip SMA mount clip for the Mesh Destect board by OrdoOuroboros https://www.printables.com/model/1294183-mesh-detect-board-sma-mount

Build Your Own

Ready to start monitoring your local airspace? The combination of affordable hardware, open-source software, and comprehensive documentation makes this project accessible to makers of all skill levels. Start with a single ESP32 device to learn the system, then expand to multiple nodes and Meshtastic integration as your privacy protection needs grow.

The future of airspace monitoring is distributed, affordable, and puts control back in the hands of individuals and communities. Join the movement building these next-generation detection systems!

Source: Mesh-Mapper – Drone Remote ID mapping and mesh alerts – Hackster.io

Detecting Surveillance Cameras With The ESP32 from Colonel.Panic

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These days, surveillance cameras are all around us, and they’re smarter than ever. In particular, many of them are running advanced algorithms to recognize faces and scan license plates, compiling ever-greater databases on the movements and lives of individuals. Flock You is a project that aims to, at the very least, catalogue this part of the surveillance state, by detecting these cameras out in the wild.

The system is most specifically set up to detect surveillance cameras from Flock Safety, though it’s worth noting a wide range of companies produce plate-reading cameras and associated surveillance systems these days. The device uses an ESP32 microcontroller to detect these devices, relying on the in-built wireless hardware to do the job. The project can be built on a Oui-Spy device from Colonel Panic, or just by using a standard Xiao ESP32 S3 if so desired. By looking at Wi-Fi probe requests and beacon frames, as well as Bluetooth advertisements, it’s possible for the device to pick up telltale transmissions from a range of these cameras, with various pattern-matching techniques and MAC addresses used to filter results in this regard. When the device finds a camera, it sounds a buzzer notifying the user of this fact.

Meanwhile, if you’re interested in just how prevalent plate-reading cameras really are, you might also find deflock.me interesting. It’s a map of ALPR camera locations all over the world,  and you can submit your own findings if so desired. The techniques used by in the Flock You project are based on learnings from the DeFlock project. Meanwhile, if you want to join the surveillance state on your own terms, you can always build your own license plate reader instead!

Source: Detecting Surveillance Cameras With The ESP32 | Hackaday

VITURE Launches ‘Luma Ultra’ AR Glasses with Sony Micro-OLED Panels

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VITURE has now launched Luma Ultra AR glasses, which pack in Sony’s latest micro-OLED to go along with spatial gesture tracking thanks to onboard sensor array.

Priced at $600, and now shipping worldwide, Viture Luma Ultra is targeting prosumers, enterprise and business professionals looking for a personal, on-the-go workspace.

Notably, these aren’t standalone devices, instead relying on PC, console and mobile tethering for compute, which means they integrate as external (albeit very personal) monitors.

Image courtesy VITURE

Luma Ultra is said to include a 52-degree field of view (FOV), Sony’s latest micro-OLED panels with a resolution up to 1200p and 1,250 nits peak brightness. Two depth sensing cameras are onboard in addition to a single RGB camera for spatial 6DOF tracking and hand gesture input.

Unlike some AR glasses, which rely on slimming waveguide optics, Luma Ultra uses what’s called a ‘birdbath’ optic system, which uses a curved, semi-transparent mirror to project the digital image into the user’s eyes. It’s typically cheaper and easier to manufacture, and can also reach higher brightness at the expense of more bulk and weight.

Image courtesy VITURE

The device also includes an electrochromic film for tint control, myopia adjustments up to -4.0 diopters, and support for 64 ± 6mm interpupillary distance (IPD).

SEE ALSO
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In reality, the company also launched a slate of AR glasses alongside it, which are targeted at consuming traditional media, positioning Viture Luma Ultra the company’s flagship device.

Check out the full lineup and spec below:

Image courtesy VITURE

Viture Luma ($400), Luma Pro ($500) and Luma Ultra ($600) are all estimated to ship within two weeks of ordering, with the next device, Luma Beast ($550) slated to ship sometime in November.

None of the devices above (besides Luma Ultra) include spatial tracking due to the lack of depth sensors, however Luma Beast is said to come with the same micro-OLED displays as Luma Ultra at a slightly larger 58-degree FOV and an auto-adjusting electrochromic film for tint control.

This follows the news of Viture’s latest funding round, which brought the San Francisco-based XR glasses company $100 million in Series B financing. which the company says will aid in global expansion of its consumer XR glasses. Viture says the funding will aid in global expansion of its consumer XR glasses.

Source: VITURE Launches ‘Luma Ultra’ AR Glasses with Sony Micro-OLED Panels

Windows MR Headsets Revived By Free ‘Oasis’ SteamVR Driver

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A lone Microsoft employee released an unofficial SteamVR driver for Windows MR headsets, called Oasis, re-enabling their use on Windows 11.

The Oasis driver arrives just under one year after Microsoft started rolling out Windows 11 24H2, which completely removed support for Windows MR. This meant Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo, and Samsung PC VR headset owners could no longer use their headset at all, not even on Steam, since Windows MR had its own runtime and only supported SteamVR through a shim.

Matthieu Bucchianeri’s Oasis solves this problem, for free. Oasis is a native SteamVR driver for Windows MR headsets, adding direct SteamVR support. No other software is required, except for SteamVR itself.

[…]

The Oasis driver includes full support for headset tracking, controller tracking, haptics, buttons, triggers, sticks, and battery state, as well as basic monoscopic camera passthrough. It also relays the IPD value from Reverb and Samsung Odyssey headsets, and even the eye tracking from HP Reverb G2 Omnicept Edition.

The only headset feature that isn’t supported is Bluetooth. Instead, you’ll need to use your PC’s Bluetooth, such as a USB or PCI-E Bluetooth adapter.

UploadVR’s Don Hopper has tested and confirmed that Oasis works with his HP Reverb G2, turning what had become a paperweight into a fully functional PC VR headset again.

Oasis Driver for Windows Mixed Reality is available for free on Steam. Make sure to read the full installation and setup instructions on GitHub, as you’ll need to pair your controllers via Bluetooth and “unlock” both the headset and controllers before use.

[…]

Source: Windows MR Headsets Revived By Free ‘Oasis’ SteamVR Driver

Austrian armed forces ditch Microsoft for open-source LibreOffice to safeguard data sovereignty. Someone woke up 10 years too late.

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Austria’s military has completed a major IT overhaul, replacing Microsoft Office with the open-source LibreOffice suite across all its desktop systems. The change, finalized this month, affects approximately 16,000 workstations in the Austrian Armed Forces.

This move will substantially reduce Austria’s software bill. At $33.75 per user per month, a Microsoft 365 E3 subscription for 16,000 workstations costs approximately $6,480,000 per year, compared to LibreOffice’s zero cost.

Also: 4 reasons why LibreOffice downloads are way up (hint: you’ll relate)

But this move isn’t about saving money. The real motivation is to gain digital sovereignty and control over critical data. As Michael Hillebrand of Directorate 6 information and communications technology (ICT) and Cyber Defense, explained: “It was very important for us to show that we are doing this primarily to strengthen our digital sovereignty, to maintain our independence in terms of ICT infrastructure and to ensure that data is only processed in-house.”

Austria has plenty of company

This concern is not unique to Austria. Many EU governments are dumping Microsoft to protect their data. The German state of Schleswig-Holstein is replacing all Microsoft software with Linux and LibreOffice in government offices.

Austria’s move comes shortly after Danish officials said they’d be leaving Microsoft behind for the same reasons. The French city of Lyon is also moving to Linux and LibreOffice from Windows and Office to protect its citizens’ data.

Recently, digital sovereignty has become a contentious issue for countries outside the US that have been relying on American companies. Many European governments no longer trust their data or software to US-based companies under President Donald Trump.

They fear their data could be read or that Microsoft could kill their services on Trump’s behalf. While Microsoft chairman and general counsel Brad Smith dismissed such concerns and promised that the company would stand behind its EU customers against political pressure, others don’t trust Microsoft.

Their concerns will only be inflamed now that The Guardian reports that Microsoft has cut off Israel’s access to Azure, which the nation had been using to store data for a Palestinian surveillance system. While some people may support this decision, it also serves as a sharp warning that US companies can and will cut IT resources from their customers for political reasons.

In Austria’s case, the government started to worry that such moves were forthcoming when, in 2020, the military identified the risks of dependency on external cloud services, particularly those from the US. Austria wasn’t the only one. The German Interior Ministry warned in 2019 that Germany had become overly dependent on Microsoft software.

[…]

Source: This European military just ditched Microsoft for open-source LibreOffice – here’s why | ZDNET

It’s incredible that only some EU countries are waking up now, with Trump at the helm. The problem has always been there, despite GDPR arrangements. The US government has always had backdoor access to data stored in US cloud companies servers. None of these companies can guarantee that the data will be kept in EU clusters and even if they could, the US government installs secret backdoors in systems without the companies managements knowledge.

So by paying the US companies, not only are EU governments and militaries funding a dependancy on US software but also giving them all the knowledge and secrets they have on a platter. And for some reason, EU governments have been too stupid too see this.