'ICC's Microsoft break is significant break from US tech'
31 October 2025
The International Criminal Court has decided to move away from Microsoft for its internal work software, choosing instead to implement Open Desk.
Dr Benjamin Thorne, international criminal law expert, provides expert comment. To request interviews with Dr Thorne, contact the 勛圖tv Press Office on 0118 378 5757 or pressoffice@reading.ac.uk.
Dr Benjamin Thorne said: "The International Criminal Court's decision to abandon Microsoft marks a significant break from US tech dependency amid mounting concerns over potential American sanctions.
"The move comes after months of urgent calls within the international community for exactly this kind of change.
"However, a critical vulnerability may remain. The court's evidence management platform, Project Harmony, operates in partnership with Microsoft. Current announcements leave unclear whether this transition will sever that connection. If the ICC's ties to Microsoft are not completely eliminated, future US sanctions could cripple the court's investigation processes and savage its ability to pursue international justice."
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