A closer look at Digital Sovereignty with APURA
Most organisations think they are in control of their data. In reality, that control is often limited. Many don’t fully know where their data is stored, who has access to it, or what happens behind the scenes.
At HSD Campus in The Hague, companies work on these kinds of questions every day. One of them is APURA, where Jai’ Amir Ramjankhan focuses on the growing gap between data ownership and actual control.
We spoke with him about how that realisation took shape and what it means in practice.
From biology to invisible systems
Long before working on data and security, Jai’ Amir’s focus was somewhere entirely different. He studied biology, driven by a fascination with life beyond Earth.
“I wanted to specialise in exobiology, essentially researching aliens,” says Jai’ Amir.
At first glance, that interest seems far removed from the world he works in today. But the underlying curiosity remained the same: understanding complex systems that are largely invisible, yet shape how things function.
After his studies, he joined his father’s company and stepped into the world of cloud infrastructure and data security. It was there that he began to see how organisations actually manage their data, and where control starts to break down.
Ownership without control
What many organisations call “owning data” turned out to be something else entirely.
“Data ownership still does not really exist in the open space of the internet,” Jai’ Amir explains.
Digital sovereignty refers to having full control over your data, systems and infrastructure: knowing where your data is stored, who can access it, and how it is used. In practice, that level of control is rare.
Many organisations rely on platforms such as Amazon Web Services or Microsoft. These systems are efficient and widely used, but the infrastructure, rules and access ultimately sit outside the organisation itself.
That creates a gap between ownership and control, one that is often underestimated.
As Jai’ Amir puts it, “If you don’t control the room you are in, you don’t control the conversation.”
A system built on dependency
In today’s digital environment, dependency is not an exception. It is the default.
Files are stored in external clouds. Communication runs through third-party platforms. Core infrastructure is often managed by providers outside of Europe. A large part of the digital landscape is controlled by a small group of companies.
That model works well in terms of speed and scalability. But it also means organisations rely on systems they cannot fully oversee or influence, not just technically, but strategically.
The mismatch at the core
In the physical world, ownership is straightforward. If you own something, you control it.
In the digital world, that relationship is far less clear.
Many platforms are built around data collection and analysis, while organisations are expected to manage privacy, compliance and security on top of those systems. Responsibility and control do not fully align.
“WhatsApp is free. That means you pay with yourself.”
What this looks like in practice
At APURA, this challenge is approached pragmatically.
They work with organisations that often depend on a mix of cloud providers, legacy systems and third-party tools. In many cases, companies are responsible for data security and compliance, while critical parts of their infrastructure remain outside their direct control.
APURA starts by mapping those dependencies. Where is data stored? Who has access? Which systems are critical, and which are replaceable?
From there, they guide organisations step by step towards more control without disrupting daily operations.
Because in reality, replacing everything at once is not an option.
Building alternatives, not illusions
Alongside consultancy, APURA is developing its own tools.
One example is YouSend.eu, a secure file-sharing platform designed without tracking or data collection. The principle is simple: you send a file, someone receives it, and that is it. No metadata analysis, no behavioural tracking, no hidden layers in the background.
It functions more like a digital postal service.
As Jai’ Amir puts it, “We want nothing to do with you. We don’t want to know your data.”
The hard part: changing behaviour
The biggest challenge is not technology. It is behaviour.
“You can’t go from zero to one hundred,” Jai’ Amir says.
People rely on the tools they use every day. Even small changes can create resistance, let alone switching entire platforms. At the same time, widely used tools offer a level of convenience and integration that is difficult to replicate.
That is why APURA focuses on gradual change. Not disconnecting from the digital world, but reducing dependency step by step.
Why this matters now
Digital sovereignty is gaining attention, particularly in Europe. But awareness does not automatically translate into action.
Building and maintaining independent systems requires investment, time and technical expertise. It also requires organisations to rethink decisions that have often been in place for years.
At the same time, dependence on external platforms continues to grow.
This creates a situation where risks are increasing, while the ability to change remains limited.
Part of a larger ecosystem
For APURA, being based at the HSD Campus is a natural fit.
The campus brings together organisations working on cybersecurity, data and digital resilience. In that environment, knowledge is shared more easily, and collaboration accelerates innovation.
“It’s very important to be in an ecosystem with like-minded people, because you can help each other a lot more,” says Jai’ Amir.
Located in The Hague, internationally recognised for peace, justice and security, the campus forms a meeting point for organisations tackling both physical and digital security challenges.
A gradual shift, not a quick fix
There is no simple solution to digital sovereignty. Reducing dependency takes time. Regaining control requires trade-offs. And building alternatives is a long-term effort. But the direction is becoming clearer.
At places like the HSD Campus, these challenges are not just discussed, they are actively worked on.
Because in the end, the question is no longer whether organisations rely on external systems.
It is how much control they are willing to regain.
Upcoming launch event at the HSD Campus
APURA will host a launch event on September 24 at the HSD Campus in The Hague, where further developments and initiatives will be presented.
