Danes seek local tech platforms amid US tensions over Greenland

Growing geopolitical friction over Greenland is driving a notable shift in digital behavior in Denmark, with a rising number of citizens opting for local and European technology platforms over US-based giants like Facebook and Google.

User Surge for Local Alternatives

According to a report by Danish broadcaster DR, several small Scandinavian tech firms have seen a sharp increase in users over the past year, particularly since President Donald Trump returned to office and reiterated his interest in acquiring the Arctic island. The Danish communication app Oase reported gaining over 5,200 new users since January—about ten times its usual daily rate. "The interest is greater now than it has ever been," said founder Anders Lemke-Holstein, noting communities and families are seeking alternatives. Another social platform, SOCii, reported a 20% user increase, with many citing departures from Facebook.

Geopolitical and Data Privacy Concerns

Experts link this migration to a combination of geopolitical anxiety and long-standing data privacy concerns. Data ethics adviser Pernille Tranberg stated Trump's political posture has triggered "massive interest" in alternatives, surpassing previous spikes driven by EU privacy debates. She highlighted extensive data collection by US firms, while cybersecurity officials noted the theoretical risk of US sanctions affecting Greenland-linked services.

Government Support and Market Response

The Danish government is supporting this trend toward digital sovereignty, allocating 80 million kroner ($11.6 million) to fund alternative digital solutions. Interest has also grown in privacy-focused tools like the Norwegian-Icelandic Vivaldi browser, whose user base in Denmark has doubled in the past year, though Google Chrome remains dominant. This movement reflects a broader European impulse to reduce dependency on foreign tech amid geopolitical uncertainties.