Ritesh Kotak explains why more countries are rethinking how dependent they are on American tech companies, and it has nothing to do with the quality of the products. He breaks down the operating system, application, and data layers that quietly tie everyday users to US servers and US law.

He walks through a real case where Microsoft had to cut off email access for sanctioned International Criminal Court judges, including a Canadian, not because Microsoft wanted to, but because US law required it. He also shares a smaller but telling example: a Canadian grocery business that had a two hundred dollar transaction blocked entirely because one item involved Iranian saffron, routed through a US payment processor.

If you have ever wondered what happens when your files, your software, and your accounts all run through servers in another country, this lays out exactly what is at stake.

Topics: tech sovereignty, US tech dependence, digital sovereignty, Microsoft sanctions, PayPal blocked transaction

GUEST: Ritesh Kotak | http://riteshkotak.com

Originally aired on 2026-08-13

Ritesh Kotak explains why more countries are rethinking how dependent they are on American tech companies, and it has nothing to do with the quality of the products. He breaks down the operating system, application, and data layers that quietly tie everyday users to US servers and US law.
He walks through a real case where Microsoft had to cut off email access for sanctioned International Criminal Court judges, including a Canadian, not because Microsoft wanted to, but because US law required it. He also shares a smaller but telling example: a Canadian grocery business that had a two hundred dollar transaction blocked entirely because one item involved Iranian saffron, routed through a US payment processor.
If you have ever wondered what happens when your files, your software, and your accounts all run through servers in another country, this lays out exactly what is at stake.
Topics: tech sovereignty, US tech dependence, digital sovereignty, Microsoft sanctions, PayPal blocked transaction
GUEST: Ritesh Kotak |<a href="http://riteshkotak.com"> http://riteshkotak.com</a>
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-08-13

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.