Trusted Tech Alliance: real transparency or sovereignty washing?
16 international technology groups have aligned to try and establish trustworthy standards - but the collective is dominated by US tech firms.
Published on 18th February 2026
16 technology companies from four continents have founded the Trusted Tech Alliance (TTA). In their self-representation, the members aim to establish common principles for a trustworthy technology stack – from network connectivity, cloud infrastructure and semiconductors to software and artificial intelligence.
Founding members include Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, SAP, Anthropic, Cohere, Ericsson, Nokia, NTT, ASML, Rapidus, Hanwha, Jio Platforms, Cassava Technologies, Saab, and Nscale. The alliance thus covers North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. However, SAP is the only German company among the founders. ASML was added to the list on February 16th via an update, after 15 members originally.
Five principles for transparency and security
The TTA members have agreed on five central principles. Firstly, transparent corporate governance and ethical behaviour are to be ensured. Secondly, participants commit to operational transparency, secure development throughout the entire product lifecycle, and independent verification. Thirdly, robust supply chain monitoring is required, where suppliers are contractually obligated to meet security and quality standards.
Fourthly, the aim is to promote an open, cooperative, and resilient digital ecosystem that enables innovation. Fifthly, members commit to respecting the rule of law and data protection. These principles are intended to apply regardless of the provider’s nationality. An overview of these principles can be found in the TTA announcement at Microsoft.
Reaction to geopolitical tensions
Brad Smith, Vice Chair and President of Microsoft, emphasised in the announcement: “In the current geopolitical situation, it is crucial that like-minded companies work together to protect security and advance high global standards that maintain trust in technology across borders. Based not on the nationality of the provider, but on common commitments to customers.” SAP board member Dominik Asam also commented: “Trust and global technology cooperation remain essential. At SAP, we are committed to fostering a trustworthy and reliable environment through open ecosystems, transparent security standards, and responsible innovation.”
The alliance plans to expand its community and admit further “like-minded providers” who adhere to verifiable principles. The goal is to support national and international efforts for digital sovereignty and resilience. The TTA also promises to drive economic growth and jobs through trustworthy technology.
Critical assessment: US dominance and Cloud Act
Despite all the proclaimed openness, a critical review is appropriate. A significant portion of the founding members – including Microsoft, Amazon, Google, and Anthropic – are from the USA. These corporations are subject to the US Cloud Act, which grants American authorities far-reaching access to data, regardless of where it is stored. While the Trusted Tech Alliance may promise to apply principles “regardless of nationality,” legal frameworks cannot be circumvented by voluntary self-commitments.
European initiatives such as the EuroStack Foundation or projects for digital sovereignty like the cooperation between BSI and Schwarz Digits pursue a different approach: they focus on independence from US hyperscalers. The EU Parliament has long called for a decoupling from American tech giants, and the OSB Alliance warns against “sovereignty washing” for government platforms. Against this backdrop, the TTA appears more like a reaction to growing pressure – also in light of the US Cyber Chief’s call for a tech alliance between the USA and Europe.