When you store data in the cloud, do you know who really controls it? In an era of increasing geopolitical tension and growing awareness around digital sovereignty, Dutch research institutes have already begun repatriating sensitive data from US servers to Dutch-controlled storage. This talk explores the hidden risks behind common cloud choices, from legal access by foreign governments to the ethical implications of supporting politically active tech giants. We’ll look at what it means to own your data, how regional storage might not be enough, and what it takes to build an EU-hosted, open-source data platform stack. If you’re a data engineer, architect, or technology leader who cares about privacy, control, and sustainable infrastructure, this talk will equip you with the insight—and motivation—to make different choices.