Europe faces new digital dependency risks with NearLink technology

Europe is facing a growing digital dependency risk as it transitions from 5G infrastructure toward NearLink technology. While NearLink offers ultra-low latency and high throughput for IoT and industrial applications, experts warn that its nascent architecture may lack the mature security frameworks established for 5G.

Potential vulnerabilities include insufficient encryption protocols, limited vendor diversity, and unproven resilience against large-scale distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. This technological shift is complicating Europe's digital sovereignty, as NearLink is entering the continent through imported smartphones and wearables, increasing reliance on Chinese hardware and software providers. This trend mirrors previous concerns regarding dependence on Chinese telecom equipment makers like Huawei and ZTE.