India's digitale soevereiniteit: Waarom InvestGlass van Zwitserse makelij het veilige alternatief is voor Amerikaanse techgiganten

Digital sovereignty has become a critical priority for India as the nation seeks to secure its digital future and reduce its reliance on foreign technology. With the introduction of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA) 2023, India is taking decisive steps to control its data and digital infrastructure. This shift presents a significant challenge for businesses in India that have long relied on US-based cloud providers like Salesforce and Microsoft. This article explores India’s journey towards digital sovereignty, the limitations of US tech giants in this new landscape, and why InvestGlass, a Swiss-made sovereign CRM, is the ideal solution for Indian businesses navigating this transition.

What you’ll learn

•India’s Digital Sovereignty Landscape: Understand the key drivers and policies shaping India’s push for digital independence.

•The Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA) 2023: Learn about the core tenets of India’s new data protection law and its implications for businesses.

•The Risks of US Cloud Providers: Discover the inherent risks associated with US-based cloud providers like Salesforce and Microsoft, particularly in light of the US CLOUD Act.

•InvestGlass: The Swiss Sovereign Alternative: Explore the features and benefits of InvestGlass as a secure, compliant, and sovereign CRM solution for the Indian market.

•Making the Switch: Get practical advice on how to migrate from Salesforce to InvestGlass and ensure a smooth transition.

India’s Resolute March Towards Digital Sovereignty

The concept of digital sovereignty has emerged as one of the most critical policy priorities for nations around the world, and India is at the forefront of this global movement. As the world’s largest democracy and one of the fastest-growing digital economies, India recognises that control over its digital infrastructure and data is essential for national security, economic prosperity, and the protection of its citizens’ fundamental rights.

India’s pursuit of digital sovereignty is not a recent development but a strategic imperative that has gained significant momentum in recent years. The Indian government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been vocal about the need for “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) in the digital domain. This vision is driven by a desire to protect the nation’s economic and security interests, foster a domestic technology ecosystem, and ensure that the data of its 1.4 billion citizens is shielded from foreign surveillance and exploitation.

A pivotal moment in this journey was the Microsoft-Nayara Energy incident in July 2025. When Microsoft suspended its services to the Indian energy giant following EU sanctions, it served as a stark wake-up call, exposing the vulnerabilities of being overly reliant on foreign technology. The incident sparked a nationwide debate on technological dependency and fueled the government’s resolve to build and promote indigenous digital solutions. In his Independence Day address in August 2025, Prime Minister Modi explicitly called for the creation of homegrown platforms to counter the dominance of foreign social media and other digital services.

This call to action has been followed by concrete policy measures. The Indian government has been actively promoting “swadeshi” (indigenous) products and services, with several ministers publicly endorsing and migrating to Indian software solutions. This top-down approach signals a clear intent to shift away from foreign technology and create a more self-sufficient digital ecosystem.

The push for digital sovereignty in India is also driven by a recognition of the strategic importance of data in the modern economy. Data has been described as the “new oil,” and nations that control their data are better positioned to harness its economic value and protect their citizens from exploitation. For India, with its massive and rapidly growing digital population, the stakes are particularly high. The country generates enormous amounts of data every day, and ensuring that this data is stored and processed within Indian jurisdiction is seen as essential for both economic and security reasons.

The Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA) 2023: A New Era of Data Governance

The cornerstone of India’s digital sovereignty strategy is the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA) 2023. Enacted in November 2025, this landmark legislation marks a paradigm shift in India’s approach to data protection and governance. The DPDPA is India’s first comprehensive data protection law, and it lays down a clear framework for the collection, processing, and storage of personal data.

One of the most significant aspects of the DPDPA is its stance on cross-border data transfers. The Act adopts a “blacklist” approach, which means that personal data can be transferred to any country in the world, except for those that are specifically restricted by the Indian government. This gives the government the power to control the flow of data and ensure that it is not transferred to jurisdictions with weak data protection laws or those that pose a security risk.

Furthermore, the DPDP Rules 2025, which operationalize the Act, impose additional obligations on “Significant Data Fiduciaries” (a category that will likely include large tech companies). These entities are required to store specified personal and traffic data only within India. This data localization mandate is a clear indication of India’s commitment to keeping its citizens’ data within its borders.

Key Provisions of the DPDPA 2023	Implications for Businesses
Consent-based data processing	Businesses must obtain explicit and informed consent from individuals before collecting and processing their personal data.
Data minimization	Businesses should only collect data that is necessary for the specified purpose.
Data Fiduciary accountability	Businesses are responsible for protecting the personal data they collect and can be held liable for data breaches.
Right to data portability and erasure	Individuals have the right to access, correct, and erase their personal data.
Significant penalties for non-compliance	The Act imposes hefty penalties for non-compliance, which can be up to ₹250 crore (approximately $30 million).

In addition to the DPDPA, India has also implemented sectoral data localization requirements in critical sectors like finance and insurance. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) mandated in 2018 that all payment system data must be stored exclusively in India. Similarly, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and the insurance regulator have imposed data localization norms for the entities they regulate. These measures, coupled with the DPDPA, create a robust legal framework that prioritizes data sovereignty and compels businesses to rethink their data storage and processing strategies.

The Elephant in the Room: The Inherent Risks of US Cloud Providers

For decades, Indian businesses have relied heavily on US-based cloud providers like Salesforce and Microsoft. These platforms have offered convenience and a wide range of features, but in the new era of digital sovereignty, their use presents significant risks and challenges. The fundamental issue lies in the jurisdiction under which these companies operate. As US-based entities, they are subject to US laws, which can directly conflict with India’s data protection and sovereignty objectives.

The US CLOUD Act: A Direct Threat to Data Sovereignty

The most significant threat to data sovereignty for businesses using US cloud providers is the Clarifying Lawful Overseas Use of Data (CLOUD) Act. Enacted in 2018, the CLOUD Act gives US law enforcement authorities the power to compel US-based technology companies to provide requested data, regardless of where the data is stored. This means that even if your company’s data is stored in a data center in India, US authorities can legally demand access to it without your consent or knowledge.

This creates a direct conflict with India’s DPDPA and the principle of data sovereignty. It effectively renders data localization measures meaningless, as the data remains accessible to a foreign government. Microsoft itself has admitted in a French court that it cannot guarantee that data will not be transmitted to the US government when legally required to do so. This admission underscores the very real risk that businesses take when they entrust their sensitive data to US cloud providers.

Risico	Beschrijving
Toegang buitenlandse overheid	The US CLOUD Act allows US authorities to access your data without your consent, undermining India’s data sovereignty.
Lack of Transparency	US cloud providers are often not transparent about government data requests, leaving you in the dark about who is accessing your data.
Geopolitical Tensions	Your data can become a pawn in geopolitical disputes, as seen in the Microsoft-Nayara Energy incident.
Vendor Lock-in	Over-reliance on a single US provider can lead to vendor lock-in, making it difficult and costly to switch to a more secure alternative.

The Illusion of “Sovereign Clouds”

In response to growing concerns about data sovereignty, US tech giants have started offering “sovereign cloud” solutions. However, these are often little more than marketing ploys. While they may involve storing data in local data centers, the fundamental problem remains: the companies are still subject to US law. As long as the provider is a US-based entity, the CLOUD Act will apply, and your data will be at risk.

As one industry expert aptly put it, “You can put a data centre in Paris or London, but if the company is still governed by US law, the data ultimately sits under US jurisdiction.” This is the hard truth that Indian businesses must confront as they navigate the new digital landscape.

InvestGlass vs. Salesforce and Microsoft: A Comparative Analysis

To fully understand the advantages of choosing InvestGlass over US-based alternatives, it is helpful to compare the key features and characteristics of these platforms side by side. The following table provides a comprehensive comparison that highlights the critical differences in terms of data sovereignty, compliance, and security.

Functie	InvestGlass (Zwitsers)	Salesforce (US)	Microsoft Dynamics (US)
Hoofdkantoor	Genève, Zwitserland	San Francisco, VS	Redmond, VS
Onderworpen aan de US CLOUD Act	Geen	Ja	Ja
Data Hosting Location	Switzerland or On-Premise	US or Local Data Centres	US or Local Data Centres
Echte gegevenssoevereiniteit	Ja	Geen	Geen
Installatie op locatie	Ja	Beperkt	Ja
GDPR-compliant	Ja	Ja	Ja
Swiss FADP Compliant	Ja	Geen	Geen
Geopolitical Neutrality	Yes (Swiss Neutrality)	Geen	Geen
Intelligence Sharing Agreements	Not Applicable	Subject to Five Eyes	Subject to Five Eyes
Government Data Request Transparency	Hoog	Beperkt	Beperkt
Risk of Service Suspension	Laag	High (Geopolitical)	High (Geopolitical)

This comparison clearly illustrates why InvestGlass is the superior choice for Indian businesses that prioritise data sovereignty. While Salesforce and Microsoft may offer local data centres, the fundamental issue of US jurisdiction remains. Only by choosing a non-US provider like InvestGlass can businesses truly achieve data sovereignty and protect themselves from the risks associated with the CLOUD Act.

InvestGlass: The Secure, Sovereign, and Swiss-Made Alternative

In this new era of digital sovereignty, Indian businesses need a CRM solution that is not only powerful and feature-rich but also secure, compliant, and truly sovereign. This is where InvestGlass, the Swiss-made CRM, emerges as the ideal alternative to US tech giants. Unlike Salesforce and Microsoft, InvestGlass is a non-US company, which means it is not subject to the US CLOUD Act. This fundamental difference makes InvestGlass a truly sovereign solution that can help Indian businesses navigate the complexities of the DPDPA and achieve their digital sovereignty goals.

The Swiss Advantage: Neutrality, Security, and Trust

Switzerland has a long-standing tradition of neutrality, political stability, and respect for privacy. This is reflected in its strong data protection laws, which are among the most robust in the world. The Swiss Federal Act on Data Protection (FADP) is recognized for its comprehensive and thorough standards, and the country is not part of any intelligence-sharing agreements that could compromise data sovereignty. This unique combination of legal and cultural factors makes Switzerland the ideal location for hosting sensitive data.

By choosing InvestGlass, Indian businesses can leverage the “Swiss Advantage” and ensure that their data is protected by the highest standards of security and privacy. InvestGlass offers the option to host data in its secure data centers in Geneva and Vaud Canton, Switzerland, or even on-premise within India. This gives businesses complete control over their data and ensures compliance with India’s data localization requirements.

Functie	Benefit for Indian Businesses
Swiss-Made and Owned	Not subject to the US CLOUD Act, ensuring true data sovereignty.
Swiss Data Hosting	Data is protected by Switzerland’s strong data protection laws.
Installatie op locatie	Option to host data within India to comply with data localization mandates.
GDPR and FADP Compliant	Ensures compliance with global data protection standards.
End-to-end versleuteling	Data is encrypted at rest and in transit, providing an extra layer of security.
Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI)	Empowers individuals with control over their digital identities.

A Comprehensive and Customizable CRM Platform

Beyond its sovereignty features, InvestGlass is a powerful and versatile CRM platform that can be tailored to the specific needs of any business. It offers a complete suite of tools for sales, marketing, compliance, and portfolio management, all in one integrated platform. With over 500 integrations and a flexible API, InvestGlass can be seamlessly integrated with your existing systems and workflows.

Whether you are a large enterprise or a small business, InvestGlass can help you streamline your operations, boost productivity, and drive growth. Its intuitive interface, drag-and-drop features, and customizable dashboards make it easy to use and adapt to your business processes. And with 24/7 support and a comprehensive knowledge base, you can be sure that you will get the most out of your investment.

InvestGlass for Government and Public Sector

One of the most compelling use cases for InvestGlass in India is within the government and public sector. The platform is designed to empower government agencies with a Swiss-made, neutral CRM that facilitates the swift and incremental transformation of public services. InvestGlass simplifies processes, enhances productivity, and fosters creativity within government institutions.

For government bodies, the geopolitical neutrality of Switzerland is a significant advantage. InvestGlass operates without interference from any foreign government, guaranteeing data sovereignty for sensitive government operations. The platform can be deployed on government servers, ensuring that citizen data remains within national borders and under national control.

Key government use cases for InvestGlass include digitaal inwerken for public administration, which can be leveraged for tax collection, social welfare programmes, and emergency loan disbursements. The platform also offers robust marketing tools for emergency communication, reporting, tracking, and coordination, making it an ideal solution for disaster response and public health initiatives. Additionally, InvestGlass can streamline embassy operations, including document management, appointment scheduling, and consular services. The citizen portal feature provides a scalable, flexible, and secure platform that can meet the needs of government agencies and their constituents.

InvestGlass for Financial Services

India’s financial services sector is one of the most heavily regulated in the world, and the RBI’s data localization mandate makes compliance a top priority for banks and financial institutions. InvestGlass is uniquely positioned to serve this sector, offering a bank-grade CRM and portfoliobeheersysteem that meets the stringent requirements of financial regulators.

InvestGlass has already been selected by major financial institutions, including Arab Bank (Switzerland), as a preferred solution for asset managers looking to improve their cybersecurity posture while taking advantage of Swiss privacy laws. The platform provides a trusted environment for businesses to store, manage, and share sensitive financial information in a secure manner.

The Swiss financial regulator, FINMA, has been indirectly pushing for the usage of local IT solutions by requiring banks to prove their resilience against cyberattacks. This regulatory pressure has led many financial institutions to seek out solutions from providers that can meet the high standards of financial regulators. InvestGlass, with its Swiss heritage and focus on security and compliance, is ideally suited to meet these demands.

The Global Data Storage Challenge

The World Economic Forum estimates that over 92% of all data in the world is stored on servers owned by US-based companies. This staggering statistic highlights the extent of global dependence on American technology and the significant control that US-based companies and the US government have over the flow of data across international borders. For a nation like India, with its vast population and rapidly growing digital economy, this dependence poses a significant strategic risk.

By choosing a non-US provider like InvestGlass, Indian businesses can take a meaningful step towards reducing this dependence and reclaiming control over their data. This is not just a matter of compliance with the DPDPA; it is a strategic imperative for any business that values its data sovereignty and wants to protect itself from the risks associated with foreign government access.

The Importance of Data Security and Privacy in the Digital Age

In the digital age, data security and privacy are more important than ever before. With the increasing use of technology throughout our daily lives, it is essential that individuals, businesses, and governments protect themselves from data theft, scams, and malicious attacks. The World Economic Forum’s 2025 Global Cybersecurity Outlook warns of an increased risk of foreign access to sensitive data, with attacks increasingly perpetrated by nation-state actors targeting healthcare, financial services, energy utilities, and infrastructure.

Fortunately, ensuring secure data storage is an achievable goal if adequate security measures are taken. InvestGlass takes data security seriously, implementing end-to-end encryption, robust access controls, and comprehensive audit trails to protect your data. By choosing a provider that prioritises security and privacy, Indian businesses can protect themselves from the growing threat of cyberattacks and data breaches..

Making the Switch: A Seamless Transition to True Sovereignty

Migrating from an established CRM like Salesforce to a new platform can seem like a daunting task. However, with InvestGlass, the process is designed to be as smooth and seamless as possible. InvestGlass provides a clear, phased approach to migration, ensuring that your business experiences minimal disruption and can quickly start reaping the benefits of a truly sovereign CRM solution.

The Five Phases of Switching to InvestGlass

InvestGlass has a well-defined five-phase process for migrating from other CRM platforms. Each phase comes with a detailed plan and timeline, and the InvestGlass team works closely with your team or implementation partners every step of the way.

1.Discovery and Planning: The process begins with a thorough review of your existing sales processes, CRM setup, and data architecture. This helps to identify your specific needs and create a tailored migration plan.

2.Data Preparation and Mapping: Your existing data is exported, cleaned, and mapped to the new fields in InvestGlass. This ensures that your data is accurate and consistent in the new system.

3.Integration and Automation: Your critical business applications are connected to InvestGlass using pre-built connectors or the flexible API. Your existing workflows and automation are then rebuilt and optimized in the InvestGlass platform.

4.Testing and Validation: The new system is thoroughly tested to ensure that everything is working as expected. This includes testing data accuracy, integrations, and workflows.

5.Go-Live and Training: Once the system is validated, you go live with InvestGlass. The platform provides comprehensive training resources, including free certifications and courses, to get your team up to speed quickly.

Your Pre-Purchase Checklist

To ensure a successful migration, InvestGlass recommends that you prepare the following before you make the switch:

•Document your existing processes: A clear understanding of your current sales and business processes will help to ensure a smooth transition.

•Record your existing CRM setup: This includes your records, integrations, workflows, and reports.

•Prepare your data: Clean and merge your data to ensure that it is accurate and up-to-date.

•Upskill your team: Take advantage of InvestGlass’s free training resources to get your team ready for the new platform.

By following this structured approach, you can ensure a successful migration to InvestGlass and start your journey towards true digital sovereignty.

Conclusion: The Future is Sovereign, the Future is Swiss

India’s journey towards digital sovereignty is a clear and irreversible trend. The DPDPA 2023 has laid the foundation for a new era of data governance, and businesses that fail to adapt will be left behind. In this new landscape, the risks associated with US-based cloud providers like Salesforce and Microsoft are simply too great to ignore. The US CLOUD Act poses a direct threat to data sovereignty, and the so-called “sovereign clouds” offered by these companies are little more than a marketing illusion.

For Indian businesses that are serious about protecting their data and achieving true digital sovereignty, the choice is clear. InvestGlass, the Swiss-made sovereign CRM, offers a secure, compliant, and powerful alternative. With its Swiss hosting, on-premise deployment options, and immunity from the US CLOUD Act, InvestGlass is the only CRM solution that can truly meet the demands of India’s new digital landscape. By making the switch to InvestGlass, Indian businesses can not only ensure compliance with the DPDPA but also gain a competitive edge in the new digital economy. The future of business in India is sovereign, and the future is Swiss.

Veelgestelde vragen (FAQ's)

1. What is digital sovereignty and why is it important for India?

Digital sovereignty is the ability of a nation to have control over its own digital destiny, including its data, infrastructure, and technology. It is important for India to protect its economic and security interests, foster a domestic technology ecosystem, and ensure the privacy of its citizens’ data.

2. What is the Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA) 2023?

The DPDPA is India’s new comprehensive data protection law. It governs the collection, processing, and storage of personal data and imposes strict obligations on businesses to protect the data of Indian citizens.

3. What is the US CLOUD Act and how does it affect Indian businesses?

The US CLOUD Act is a US law that allows US law enforcement authorities to compel US-based technology companies to provide requested data, regardless of where the data is stored. This means that even if your data is stored in India, US authorities can legally access it if you are using a US-based cloud provider.

4. Are the “sovereign clouds” offered by US tech giants a safe option?

No, these are often misleading. While they may involve local data storage, the provider is still subject to US law, including the CLOUD Act. This means your data is not truly sovereign.

5. What makes InvestGlass a sovereign CRM solution?

InvestGlass is a Swiss-owned and operated company, which means it is not subject to the US CLOUD Act. It offers data hosting in Switzerland, which has some of the strongest data protection laws in the world, as well as on-premise deployment options within India.

6. Is InvestGlass compliant with India’s DPDPA?

Yes, InvestGlass is designed to be compliant with global data protection regulations, including the GDPR and the FADP. Its features, such as on-premise hosting and data encryption, can help Indian businesses comply with the requirements of the DPDPA.

7. What are the key benefits of switching to InvestGlass?

The key benefits include true data sovereignty, enhanced security, compliance with Indian data protection laws, and a powerful and customizable CRM platform. You also benefit from Swiss neutrality and a commitment to privacy.

8. Is it difficult to migrate from Salesforce to InvestGlass?

InvestGlass has a structured and well-defined process for migrating from other CRM platforms. The company provides support and guidance throughout the process to ensure a smooth and seamless transition.

9. What industries does InvestGlass serve?

InvestGlass serves a wide range of industries, including financial services (banking, asset management, insurance), governments, and enterprises of all sizes.

10. How can I learn more about InvestGlass?

You can visit the InvestGlass website to learn more about their sovereign CRM solution, request a demo, or start a free trial. You can also contact their sales team to discuss your specific needs and get a personalized consultation.