In a world increasingly intertwined by technology, the idea that the United States could sever Europe’s internet connections with the press of a button is nothing short of a myth. This sentiment was echoed by Heidi Nystedt, the director of governmental affairs at Microsoft Finland, in an interview with *Hufvudstadsbladet*.
As Finnish agencies and at least one ministry contemplate utilizing US-based cloud services, the uncertainty surrounding Europe’s relationship with the United States has prompted some to reconsider this digital leap.
Experts, including Finnish cybersecurity specialist Petteri Järvinen, caution that Europe has unwittingly placed its vital information systems in the hands of American corporations.
Concerns have been raised by Finnish Member of the European Parliament Aura Salla (NCP), who highlighted the potential danger of the US swiftly cutting Europe off from its web services, as reported by *Svenska Yle*.
However, Nystedt was quick to dismiss these claims. “There is no ‘kill switch’,” she asserted, stating that the notion of a rapid, politically motivated disconnection is simply unfounded.
In theory, such an action would only occur through an executive order, followed by a protracted legal process, according to Nystedt. Microsoft’s contracts, she noted, include provisions that would allow the company to challenge any such orders in court.
Even if a court were to uphold an executive order, Nystedt emphasized that it wouldn’t mean a technological regression for Europe. Mentioning contingency plans with European service providers, she reassured that measures are in place should such a drastic scenario ever arise.
This discussion surfaces in the wake of a controversy involving the International Criminal Court. A report by the Associated Press last spring alleged that Microsoft had “canceled” the email accounts of prosecutors targeted by an executive order from then-President Donald Trump, which condemned the Court’s actions against the US and Israel.
Microsoft President Brad Smith refuted this claim, asserting the company was not involved in shutting down service to the ICC “in any way,” according to *Politico*.
Nystedt echoed Smith’s sentiments, stating emphatically, “Microsoft has never shut down any service due to political pressure. We have no backdoors, and Trump does not control Microsoft.”
Another area of concern for many is the potential for the US to access the emails of Europeans. Yet, Nystedt clarified that this too would necessitate a court order. “No one can simply call and request data. There must be a legal basis, whether the request comes from the US or a European nation. We can challenge such requests in court, and we have done so multiple times, under both Trump and former President Barack Obama,” she added.
Päivi Räsänen Goes to Washington
On Wednesday, Finland’s Christian Democrat MP Päivi Räsänen appeared before a House Judiciary Committee hearing in Washington, DC. She was invited to discuss her experiences with incitement to hate charges in Finland stemming from statements she made regarding homosexuality.
The hearing, as outlined on the US judiciary’s website, aimed to explore how European online censorship laws—such as the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) and the UK’s Online Safety Act (OSA)—could be infringing upon Americans’ free speech rights.
“I love my country. Finland is a democracy built on the rule of law and fundamental freedoms. These values are incredibly important to me as a European and a Christian,” Räsänen shared at the hearing, according to *Helsingin Sanomat*.
She recounted that over six years ago, she expressed her Christian views on marriage and sexuality in a Twitter post directed at her church. This response came after the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland decided to participate in a Pride parade—an action Räsänen felt contradicted Christian beliefs.
“I included scripture that informed my perspective on this matter. I aimed to convey my views peacefully, without targeting or insulting anyone. Yet, for exercising my free speech, I was interrogated by the police for more than 13 hours and charged with criminal hate speech,” she stated in a clip shared by local media.
While Räsänen’s charges have been dismissed by two lower courts, her case now awaits a ruling from Finland’s Supreme Court, *HS* reported.
As Räsänen was introduced, the Republican chair of the committee, Jim Jordan, referred to her as a “victim of European censorship.”
Her case has garnered significant support from the Christian organization Alliance Defending Freedom International, which has actively raised funds for her legal defense.
This international organization, founded in Arizona over three decades ago, stands against a range of controversial issues including abortion, euthanasia, same-sex marriage, and the criminalization of speech, asserting that hate speech laws are often used to silence dissenting opinions.
While the House Judiciary Committee cannot enact binding decisions regarding foreign laws, its hearings and recommendations hold political weight, potentially influencing US foreign policy and broader conversations about freedom of expression and human rights.
A Checkout Clerk’s Bad Bets
While not exactly breaking news, a report by commercial broadcaster MTV gained considerable traction on Thursday morning. It detailed the troubling case of a checkout clerk at Tokmanni, a discount department store chain, whose apparent gambling addiction led to significant theft.
The female clerk, employed at one of the chain’s outlets in North Savo, was found guilty of misappropriating over 122,000 euros of the store’s funds through various gambling activities.
She admitted to the offense, expressing remorse and attributing her actions to an obsessive, addictive gambling problem.
In her mid-50s, she had been with Tokmanni for two decades and managed the outlet’s Veikkaus services, all while grappling with her gambling addiction.
The retailer discovered her actions after noticing irregularities in the Veikkaus games, linking her to the theft through video surveillance. MTV reported that the company submitted approximately 300 recordings showing her at the lottery ticket machine during off-hours.
Testimony from the company’s security chief revealed that the clerk placed numerous bets daily, and analysis of her personal Veikkaus account showed losses exceeding 114,000 euros, culminating in a net profit of merely 1,000 euros.
After being convicted of aggravated embezzlement, the local district court sentenced her to a one-and-a-half-year suspended prison term and mandated 40 hours of community service. Furthermore, she is required to repay Tokmanni the sum of 122,100 euros, with the court’s decision being final.