More than two years after the start of the Russian invasion, Amazon, Google, Microsoft and other members of Gafam continue to actively support Ukraine. At the great risk of fueling tensions with Moscow. Focus on this case.
Unwavering support from Gafam despite the threats
When Russian tanks crossed the border into Ukraine in February 2022, American tech giants were among the first to rush to kyiv’s aid. Amazon, Microsoft, Google and Facebook have deployed technological arsenals to thwart Russian cyberattacks and manipulation. Caught in the spiral of conflict, the Gafam opted for direct involvement alongside the Ukrainians, breaking with decades of cautious neutrality.
More than two years later, their mobilization has not weakened, despite increasing intimidation from the Kremlin. Necessary digital vigilance to Oleksandr Tkachenko, Ukrainian Minister of Culture: “Without the invaluable help of tech giants, we would have suffered irreparable damage from Russian propaganda and cyberattacks.” But the involvement of Gafam in this high-risk conflict is not without consequences…
Russia threatens Big Tech interests
By bringing their technological power to Ukraine, the American giants of Silicon Valley have fanned the wrath of the Kremlin. In retaliation, Moscow blocks the websites of Facebook and Twitter and censors Western media on its territory. A market of 145 million consumers now closed to Google, Apple and other technological structures, which made billions of dollars in profits there.
The Russian authorities are waging a technological war against Gafam to punish them for their anti-Russian digital interference. Deprived of Western technologies, the Russian technology sector is collapsing, but still manages to hit hard.
But the hardening of Vladimir Putin’s regime suggests other reprisals. By supplying digital weapons to Ukraine, the tech giants have chosen their side, at the risk of becoming priority targets for Moscow.
A worrying geopolitical influence
Through their massive technological support for Ukraine, Gafam are now full players in this conflict. An unprecedented geopolitical role that worries certain Western leaders. “The influence of these multinationals in world affairs goes beyond the commercial framework,” warns a French parliamentary report.
Some American politicians are also wondering about this growing dependence on Big Tech.
But others believe that without the help of Silicon Valley, Ukraine would have capitulated technologically in the face of a numerically superior enemy. For kyiv, the support of the American giants remains essential despite the controversies.
Whether we deplore it or welcome it, Gafam’s commitment alongside Ukraine marks a turning point. Now stakeholders in the conflicts of the 21st century, their neutrality seems well and truly over. But more than two years after the start of the invasion, their mobilization does not seem to be weakening.
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