Cory Doctorow, the well-known tech activist who coined the term 'enshittification,' has sparked debate again by calling the idea of each country developing its own sovereign AI 'nonsense.' In a context where the U.S. government seems to be systematically dismantling its global leadership, many analysts, such as Australian writer John Quiggin, warn of the risk of relying on an erratic power. However, Doctorow argues that the panic over AI is a distraction from real digital vulnerabilities. For him, shutting down an AI chatbot would have little economic impact, while disabling services like Office 365 or John Deere tractors would cause an immediate collapse. This perspective, although controversial, invites a rethink of technology priorities for governments and businesses.
From a technical and business standpoint, Doctorow's reasoning gains strength when we look at the actual performance of AI. Large corporations have invested billions in language models and data centers, but financial returns remain elusive. In contrast, cloud services like AWS or Azure, Business Intelligence with Power BI platforms, and cybersecurity solutions are tools that already generate measurable value. At Q2BSTUDIO, a software development company, we see daily how companies achieve concrete returns by adopting custom applications that optimize administrative, telecommunications, and e-commerce processes. AI can be an interesting complement, but it should not be the centerpiece of a digital sovereignty strategy.
Doctorow also questions the urgency of creating 'sovereign AI' when the real dependency runs much deeper. Countries that do not control their cloud infrastructure, enterprise management systems, or data platforms remain exposed to unilateral decisions by U.S. tech giants. To mitigate this risk, investment should focus on developing local alternatives for critical software. In this regard, at Q2BSTUDIO we promote the creation of process automation and AI agents that integrate securely into cloud environments, but always as part of a broader ecosystem that prioritizes resilience and efficiency. True digital sovereignty is not achieved through extravagant language models, but through control over the data and applications that drive the economy.
Another key aspect is cybersecurity. While governments debate AI regulation, attacks on critical infrastructure continue to rise. Protecting databases, ensuring communication integrity, and auditing systems are urgent tasks that require custom solutions. For example, at Q2BSTUDIO we offer cybersecurity and pentesting services that help organizations fortify their digital assets. AI, properly used, can help detect anomalous patterns, but without a solid foundation of security and data governance, any advance in artificial intelligence becomes an additional risk.
In conclusion, Cory Doctorow's stance reminds us that tech hype often diverts resources and attention from real problems. Countries aspiring to true digital autonomy should start by securing their basic infrastructure: sovereign cloud, custom applications, robust cybersecurity, and data analysis tools like Power BI. AI can be a valuable layer, but it is not a panacea. As Doctorow rightly points out, the priority is not to put the cart before the horse. At Q2BSTUDIO we work every day to help companies and institutions build that solid foundation, with proven technologies and a pragmatic approach.
