The International Criminal Court Is Ditching Microsoft Software for an Open Source Alternative

Why It Matters

By adopting home‑grown, open‑source software, the ICC strengthens its operational independence and signals a growing push for digital sovereignty among international institutions, potentially accelerating similar migrations across the public sector.

Summary

The International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague is planning to replace its Microsoft Office suite with Open Desk, an open‑source collaboration platform developed by Germany’s Zendis. The switch follows a 2025 incident in which the ICC’s chief prosecutor was cut off from email after U.S. sanctions, raising concerns that U.S. tech firms could enact a “kill switch” on critical services. Open Desk is positioned as a sovereign digital solution for public administrations, aiming to insulate the court from future U.S. sanctions or political pressure. The move reflects a broader EU effort to reduce dependence on American cloud and software providers.