Good luck. I don't see other countries innovating at even half the rate of the U.S. with tech stuff. Leaving the umbrella will be like turning out the lights. It gets boring and cold in the dark after a while.
That's possibly because of a few advantages that US companies had due to quicker exposure to leading edge technology. However, when privacy becomes a unique selling point that US corporations can no longer provide - suddenly the competition will see a reason to appear.
I'm on the lookout for reasonably good Google apps alternatives, if they don't exist right now - this is a time that a solid market just got created. I'm sure someone out there will be interested in making it happen!
Agreed. I see this as being a catalyst for the creation of greater competition to the US internet incumbents. There will likely not be an immediate impact for Google et al. but there will be much longer term consequences I think.
That might change... and not only for reasons related to privacy.
I live in EU and I remember that about two or three years ago every geek's wet dream was to get to Silicon Valley and build a startup. But that seems to be changing. I don't have any research to back it up - it's just some anecdotal evidence but many people now seem to consider alternatives like London or Chile... mostly because they are afraid of software patents and want to stay out of US jurisdiction.
These things are difficult to asses but there is a tipping point somewhere - once critical mass is achieved innovation can quickly move somewhere else. Fear of American government can help make it happen and I am sure that competitors are going to love playing that card.
same thing here, a friend recently refused work, because he would have to physically go to USA (he loves seeing the world) - money was waaaay above EU.
