Atlas Systems: Pioneering Digital Sovereignty in Morocco with the First Made-in-Morocco Operating System

Atlas Systems, a Moroccan startup spearheaded by economic intelligence expert Manar Belfqih, is currently spearheading efforts to achieve digital sovereignty in Morocco through the launch of the nation's inaugural Made-in-Morocco computer operating system (OS).

In an interview, Belfqih provided insights into the challenges stemming from foreign digital dominance and outlined her startup's strategy to address cybersecurity threats emerging from Morocco's ongoing digitization endeavors. She emphasizes that the cornerstone of cybersecurity lies in data storage and management.

Presently, a significant volume of user data resides in data centers primarily concentrated in a handful of countries, with the United States holding a commanding share of over 30%. Many prominent tech giants involved in data production and consumption, such as Meta, Amazon, Microsoft, and Google, are based in America.

Belfqih highlighted, "We identified the root of the issue to be the OS." The OS is responsible for allocating RAM space for programs and data, as well as managing data swapping between RAM and storage.

Atlas Systems aims to domesticate data storage to "break free from digital colonization." Belfqih elaborated, stating, "Despite discussions surrounding sovereignty and digital transition, we remain subject to colonization... The widespread adoption of services like Gmail and Google accounts means that valuable information is in the hands of Americans, who subsequently distribute it to Europeans, Chinese, and others."

Experts have raised concerns regarding models of personal data exploitation, where tech giants collect user data and monetize it. A study conducted in 2018 found Facebook trackers present in nearly half of free Android apps, while another study in 2020 revealed that 86% of the top 50,000 websites embed Google trackers.

In addition to ethical considerations, the geographical location of data storage holds significance as data is subject to the laws of the jurisdiction where it is physically stored. Belfqih highlighted the United States' substantial data repository, which strengthens its extraterritorial jurisdiction. The Cloud Act grants US agencies access to global user information.

Atlas Systems is actively engaging with local companies to identify infrastructure for secure data storage. Belfqih emphasized, "By establishing the Atlas ecosystem locally, we will take significant strides towards sovereignty and decolonization, safeguarding citizen information and enabling government oversight of data."

While there is a growing call to reform tech business models that exploit user data, Atlas Systems aims to nationalize the process for the benefit of Moroccans. Belfqih believes that localizing data storage and management will enhance Moroccan brand productivity and improve quality of life.

Atlas Systems is scheduled to unveil its Atlas computer featuring the Made-in-Morocco OS in April. The company is in discussions with hardware partners and local data centers. Belfqih mentioned ongoing negotiations with a Spanish supplier to provide high-quality metal/aluminum computers at competitive prices.

The overarching objective is to make quality computers accessible to all Moroccans at an affordable price point.