UPSC | Prelims GS | 2026

Which one of the following is a likely strategic risk of excessive dependence on foreign-controlled cloud or satellite services?

  1. External actors may restrict or degrade access to critical capabilities
  2. It automatically increases domestic manufacturing
  3. It eliminates cyber risks
  4. It guarantees data sovereignty

Answer

Correct Answer

External actors may restrict or degrade access to critical capabilities

Explanation

External control can create leverage to restrict, degrade or disrupt critical services, as the article explains using satellite, cloud and software examples. Dependence does not automatically build manufacturing, eliminate cyber risks or guarantee sovereignty.

Topics: critical infrastructure, foreign technology dependence, science and technology, strategic autonomy