EU urged to launch own OS, web browser

Finnish finance minister Katri Kulmuni  on Wednesday urged the European Union to develop its own computer operating system and internet browser, and to reduce reliance on tech giants.
Kulmuni did not name any companies, but said that an EU-developed operating system would “make our continent less vulnerable and lower dependence on a few companies”.
“Hostile influencing through managing computer networks and data is the biggest risk we face in the future. US and Chinese competitors are ahead of us”, she warned.
Kulmuni explained that the bloc needs to be “a trailblazer” in information technology including in developing AI and in 5G mobile networks:“In practice, being self-sufficient in the cyber world means, for example, creating a European operating system and www-browser. The EU could also act as the issuer of digital certificates”, Kulmuni said.
The United States has been warning its allies over allowing Chinese tech Huawei in developing 5G networks, over security risks associated with the company.
Earlier this month, US Attorney General William Barr suggested Washington should invest to buy a controlling stake in either Nokia or Ericsson in efforts to curb Huawei’s domination of the industry.