By Simon Kriss
Publication Date: 2025-11-25 05:58:00
There has been much debate about the use of the word “Sovereign” in describing many products and services, particularly in the area of computer software, particularly in the area of artificial intelligence.
Many dispute that the word “sovereign” can be divisive, restrictive or indefinable. I disagree. I think the word has simply become uncomfortable for most people.
Let me explain it from an Australian perspective, but it applies to every nation.
There are many ways to measure a company’s sovereignty. The obvious thing is, who owns the company? Are the majority of shareholders Australian legal entities or Australian citizens? Is the board located in Australia? Does it have foreign influence? Is the company subordinate to a foreign parent company? Does it pay all taxes in Australia?
The above is just the ownership issue. However, sovereignty goes far beyond that and extends to operational business.
Is the product made here in Australia? Or was some (or all) of the construction carried out abroad by…?
