ICC seeks to replace US IT providers amid sanctions threat: Report
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The International Criminal Court is moving to replace its US IT providers, fearing disruption if Washington imposes sanctions, with 90% of its systems reliant on American firms.
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A general view of the exterior of the International Criminal Court at The Hague, Netherlands, March 12, 2025 (AP)
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is seeking to replace its US-based IT service providers due to fears that potential sanctions from Washington could disrupt its operations, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday, citing informed sources.
Officials have reportedly warned staff that the court’s dependence on US infrastructure leaves it vulnerable to a blackout should sanctions be imposed. Negotiations are underway to transition away from US providers of key infrastructure facilities, one source told the newspaper.
According to Financial Times, over 90% of the ICC’s operations rely on US systems, particularly Microsoft. Staff have begun downloading and printing necessary documents out of concern that access to digital files could be suddenly lost.
US eyes sanctioning all of ICC
Moreover, on September 22, Reuters reported that ICC employees had received salaries in advance for the remainder of 2025 due to concerns about the impact of sanctions.
This came after the US announced that it was preparing to impose sweeping sanctions against the top court, potentially as early as this week, in response to investigations into Israeli war crimes in Gaza, Reuters reported. Such a move would mark the first time Washington sanctions the court as an entity, raising fears that its daily operations could be crippled.
According to one official cited by Reuters, the ICC’s leadership has already held emergency meetings to assess the risks. Diplomats from ICC member states have also met to prepare for the fallout. A US official, also speaking anonymously, confirmed that entity-wide sanctions are under discussion, though no exact timeline was given.
If applied, blanket sanctions could undermine the ICC's core functions. They could block the court's access to bank accounts, disrupt payroll, and even affect routine office software licensing.
Anticipating disruption, ICC staff reportedly received their salaries for the remainder of 2025 in advance, according to three sources cited by Reuters. The court is also exploring alternative banking channels and software providers to cushion the blow.
The trigger: Indictments against Israeli officials
The latest escalation stems from the ICC's decision to indict Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Security Minister Yoav Gallant over crimes committed during the genocide in Gaza. The court has also issued indictments against figures from the Palestinian Resistance movement Hamas.
While neither "Israel" nor the US is a member of the ICC, the court recognizes the State of Palestine as a member, granting it jurisdiction over actions committed on Palestinian territory, a position rejected by both Washington and Tel Aviv.
