France has embarked on a significant initiative to transition from Windows software to the open-source alternative, Linux, across its government computers. This strategic move, announced on April 8 by the Interministerial Directorate for Digital Affairs, aims to diminish the nation’s reliance on American technology firms. However, experts caution that this transition is likely to be both costly and time-consuming.
The shift involves altering the core software that operates thousands of state computers, a monumental task given that Windows, developed by Microsoft, is the world’s most prevalent operating system, powering over a billion devices globally. In contrast, Linux, which originated in Finland in 1991, is a free and open-source system that allows users to modify and share its code freely. Digital security specialist Fabrice Epelboin emphasized the advantages of open-source software, noting, “A free software system means you can see how it works, which guarantees transparency, but it is also collectively owned.” This characteristic enables users to adapt the software to their specific needs and improve upon it collaboratively.
Control over data
Utilizing proprietary software like Windows places governments at the mercy of the companies that own them, raising concerns about data security and espionage. Epelboin pointed out, “When you use proprietary software, you are at the mercy of espionage, you are at the mercy of American companies recovering your data. If you want to protect them, the best, if not the only, solution is to use free software.” The transparency afforded by open-source systems empowers users to manage their data more effectively. Other European nations, such as Spain and Germany, have already made strides in adopting similar systems.
A ‘colossal’ shift
The scale of this transition is indeed colossal, impacting a vast number of public sector employees and necessitating extensive training and technical support. Instead of incurring licensing fees to Microsoft, France’s investment will shift towards hiring engineers to install, maintain, and customize the new systems, potentially bolstering the local economy through job creation. Nevertheless, the timeline for this ambitious project remains uncertain, with no specific details released regarding the number of government computers to be transitioned or the expected duration of the rollout. Epelboin noted that such extensive projects often surpass the length of typical political mandates, indicating a long road ahead. Additionally, Microsoft’s lobbying efforts, which reportedly involved a €7 million expenditure in 2025 to influence European Union policymakers on digital and competition regulations, could further complicate the shift.
This article was adapted from the original version in French.
