Digital Preservation at a Crossroads: How US Tariffs and Protectionism Are Reshaping Archival Strategies

Introduction: The Complex Landscape of Digital Preservation

In an era where digital transformation has become the cornerstone of modern record-keeping and information management, government archives and preservation institutions face an increasingly complex challenge. The convergence of geopolitical tensions, economic protectionism, and cybersecurity threats has created a perfect storm that threatens the sustainability and security of digital preservation efforts. As the United States implements new tariffs and protectionist policies in 2025, institutions responsible for preserving our collective memory must reconsider their approaches to ensure the longevity and accessibility of critical records.

This research explores how current US tariff structures and protectionist policies impact the digital preservation landscape, examines the inherent vulnerabilities in purely digital solutions, and evaluates alternative approaches—including the potential resurgence of microfilm as a proven preservation medium. By analyzing these intersecting challenges, we can better understand the future of archival preservation in an increasingly fragmented technological ecosystem.

The Current US Tariff and Protectionism Landscape

Recent Tariff Developments and Their Impact on Technology

The Trump administration's recent implementation of "reciprocal" tariffs has created significant uncertainty in the technology sector. While electronics were initially exempted from these tariffs, this exclusion appears to be temporary. As reported by CNN in April 2025, "electronics imported to the United States will be exempt from President Donald Trump's reciprocal tariffs" CNN1. However, this exemption seems precarious, with President Trump signaling that "tech-related tariffs are still on the table" Business Insider2.

Particularly concerning for digital preservation infrastructure is the looming threat of semiconductor tariffs. According to Reuters, "U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday said he would be announcing the tariff rate on imported semiconductors over the next week" Reuters3. Such tariffs could significantly impact the cost and availability of critical components for digital storage and processing systems.

Broader Protectionist Technology Policies

Beyond tariffs, the US has implemented a series of protectionist measures aimed at reducing dependency on foreign technology and rebuilding domestic manufacturing capabilities. These include "restrictions on technology exports, heightened scrutiny of foreign investments, and government-directed investments in strategic sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy" Geopolitical Monitor4. While aimed at enhancing national security and technological leadership, these policies have significant implications for institutions relying on global technology supply chains for their digital preservation infrastructure.

The stated goals of these policies include "reversing decades of industrial decline, restoring American preeminence in technology and manufacturing, and reducing strategic vulnerabilities tied to economic dependency" Geopolitical Monitor4. However, the restructuring of global supply chains creates new challenges for government archives and other memory institutions that have built their digital preservation strategies around increasingly uncertain technology ecosystems.

Current Digital Preservation Practices and Dependencies

National Archives' Digital Preservation Framework

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) has established a comprehensive Digital Preservation Framework for 2022-2026 that acknowledges the complex dependencies involved in digital preservation. According to NARA, "Digital preservation will be achieved through a comprehensive approach that ensures data integrity, format and media sustainability, and information security" National Archives5.

This strategy includes robust infrastructure components such as "tools for format characterization, technical metadata extraction, and file format preservation transformations" National Archives5. Furthermore, NARA emphasizes the importance of engaging with "the national and international digital preservation communities and the IT industry to monitor technological changes, develop new technical tools, and update guidance as new risks and standards emerge" National Archives5.

The Multi-layered Dependencies of Digital Preservation

Digital preservation involves complex dependencies across multiple layers. As described in a comprehensive report by the Council on Library and Information Resources, digital objects have "multiple inheritance" at the physical, logical, and conceptual levels:

"At the physical level the bits are inscribed on a medium; at the logical level the data are interpreted by software according to defined protocols; and at the conceptual level the 'real' information is understood by people or business processes" CLIR6.

These dependencies extend to various technological components, including "hardware, operating systems, software applications, file formats, and even peripheral elements (such as font libraries or viewer applications) that are required to properly render, interpret, or reproduce a digital object" CLIR6.

Foreign Technology Dependencies in Digital Preservation

Government archives and memory institutions have traditionally relied on global technology supply chains for their digital preservation infrastructure. This includes hardware components manufactured abroad, software developed by international companies, and specialized preservation tools created through international collaboration.

The Digital Preservation Coalition identifies several key risk factors associated with these dependencies, including "merger, closure, or transfer of functions between organisations; changes in strategic direction or funding; major changes in individual leaders or experts; outsourcing with no consideration of future preservation needs; file format obsolescence; media obsolescence; and media degradation" Digital Preservation Coalition7.

The Impact of Tariffs and Protectionism on Digital Preservation

Cost Implications

The imposition of tariffs on technology hardware directly impacts the cost of establishing and maintaining digital preservation infrastructure. As Computer Weekly notes, "Moore's Law predicts that every 18 months, IT buyers can get more for the same outlay. But US tariffs may mean they end up paying a higher price" Computer Weekly8. For government archives operating with fixed or declining budgets, these increased costs could significantly impact their ability to maintain robust digital preservation programs.

Studies suggest that the 2025 tariffs could lead to significant price increases across the technology sector. According to one analysis, "The price level from all 2025 tariffs rises by 2.3% in the short-run, the equivalent of an average per household consumer loss of $3,800" The Budget Lab9. For government agencies and archives, these cost increases could be substantially higher given their reliance on enterprise-grade hardware and storage systems.

Supply Chain Disruption and Uncertainty

Beyond immediate cost implications, tariffs and protectionist policies create significant uncertainty in technology supply chains. As reported by Reuters, "Trump tariffs could stymie Big Tech's US data center spending spree" Reuters10, potentially affecting the availability and cost of data center infrastructure critical for large-scale digital preservation efforts.

The policies are designed to "promote the domestic production of key technologies such as semiconductors, renewable energy components, and advanced technology materials" Geopolitical Monitor4. While this could eventually lead to more secure supply chains, the transition period creates significant challenges for institutions that have built their preservation strategies around existing technological ecosystems.

Digital Sovereignty Concerns

The concept of digital sovereignty—the ability of a nation or institution to maintain control over its digital infrastructure and data—has gained prominence in recent years. According to the World Economic Forum, "Digital sovereignty, cyber sovereignty, technological sovereignty and data sovereignty refer to the ability to have control over your own digital destiny" World Economic Forum11.

For government archives, digital sovereignty concerns are particularly acute given their responsibility to preserve records of national importance. As noted in a report on contested digital sovereignty, "there are many studies that investigate the increasingly complex digital ecology with a focus on web pages, software, AV, geospatial data, [and] email" Taylor & Francis Online12. These diverse digital formats create complex preservation challenges that are further complicated by geopolitical tensions and trade restrictions.

Compounding Risks: Cybersecurity and Ransomware Threats

The Growing Threat Landscape

The risks associated with technology dependencies and supply chain disruptions are compounded by the growing threat of cybersecurity attacks, particularly ransomware. According to the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), "Ransomware is an ever-evolving form of malware designed to encrypt files on a device, rendering any files and the systems that rely on them unusable. Ransomware incidents can severely impact business processes and leave organizations without the data they need to operate and deliver mission-critical services" CISA13.

For digital archives, these threats are particularly concerning. As the UK National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) notes, ransomware attacks can lead to "loss of access to critical files or services" NCSC14. In the context of digital preservation, such attacks could potentially compromise years of careful preservation work and render critical historical records inaccessible.

Specific Risks to Digital Archives

Digital archives face unique cybersecurity challenges. According to insights from the academic community, digital repositories and archives are susceptible to "malware and ransomware attacks on digital repositories: malicious software, including ransomware, [which] poses a significant threat to digital collections" UKSG Insights15.

These risks are particularly concerning for government archives that maintain records essential for legal, historical, and administrative purposes. A successful ransomware attack could not only compromise the integrity and availability of these records but also potentially expose sensitive information. As CISA advises, "Victims of ransomware should report to federal law enforcement via IC3 or a Secret Service Field Office, and can request technical assistance or provide information to help others by contacting CISA" CISA13.

Risk Mitigation Strategies

To address these risks, CISA recommends several key strategies, including:

1. "Conduct regular vulnerability scanning to identify and address vulnerabilities, especially those on internet-facing devices, to limit the attack surface."

2. "Maintain offline, encrypted backups of data and regularly test your backups."

3. "Regularly patch and update software and Operating Systems" CISA13.

For digital archives, these recommendations highlight the importance of maintaining robust, offline backups—a practice that aligns with traditional preservation approaches like microfilm, which inherently provides an air-gapped, immutable record that cannot be compromised by digital attacks.

Microfilm: A Renewed Case for Analog Preservation

The Enduring Advantages of Microfilm

Despite the digital revolution, microfilm retains several significant advantages as a preservation medium. According to the Archives of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, microfilm offers remarkable longevity: "polyester film is estimated to last 500 years and acetate film about 100 years" Archives of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America16. This durability far exceeds the lifespan of digital storage media, which typically require migration every few years to address technological obsolescence.

Microfilm also provides inherent security advantages. As the National Archives notes, "The polyester microfilm is sturdy, lasts up to 500 years, and is easily reproduced" National Archives17. These characteristics make microfilm an attractive complement to digital preservation strategies in an era of increasing cybersecurity threats.

Modern Microfilm Technology

While microfilm is often perceived as an outdated technology, modern microfilm systems have evolved significantly. According to the Smithsonian Institution Archives, modern microfilm readers and scanners have enhanced capabilities that bridge "the gap between analog and digital preservation, allowing institutions to leverage the durability of microfilm while still benefiting from digital access and processing capabilities" Smithsonian Institution Archives18.

The Library of Congress highlights that "modern microfilm technology allows for high-quality image capture and enhanced preservation capabilities while maintaining the fundamental advantages of analog preservation" Digital Preservation (Library of Congress)19. These advancements facilitate the integration of microfilm into contemporary preservation workflows.

Microfilm as a Strategic Response to Current Challenges

In the context of increasing tariffs, supply chain uncertainties, and cybersecurity threats, microfilm offers several strategic advantages:

1. Independence from Digital Supply Chains: Microfilm production and storage require minimal dependence on complex technology supply chains, making it less vulnerable to tariffs and trade restrictions.

2. Immunity to Digital Threats: As a physical medium, microfilm cannot be affected by ransomware or other digital attacks, providing an inherently secure preservation option.

3. Proven Longevity: With a track record spanning decades, microfilm's preservation qualities are well-understood and tested, unlike many digital preservation strategies that remain experimental.

4. Cost Stability: While digital preservation costs can fluctuate based on technology prices and maintenance requirements, microfilm offers more predictable long-term preservation costs.

The National Archives emphasizes that "as long as documents have existed the need to preserve them has existed," affirming the continued relevance of proven preservation methods like microfilm National Archives17.

Hybrid Preservation: Combining Digital and Analog Approaches

The Case for Hybrid Preservation Strategies

Rather than viewing digital and analog preservation as competing approaches, many experts advocate for hybrid strategies that combine the strengths of both methods. According to the Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR), "The vision of the hybrid approach to preservation and access is to enable libraries to leverage the investment they have already made in preservation microfilming by complementing it with digital imaging technology" CLIR20.

The National Archives' Steven Puglia summarizes this approach: "There is no single or simple answer. Technology is never 'THE ANSWER'. Technology is only tools. The answer is to select and use your tools wisely" National Archives21. This pragmatic perspective recognizes that different preservation challenges may require different technological solutions.

Strategic Implementation of Hybrid Approaches

A well-designed hybrid preservation strategy might include several key elements:

1. Selective Use of Microfilm: As the Archives of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America suggests, "Microfilm may work best for less frequently accessed records that are still legible" Archives of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America16. This approach leverages microfilm's durability for long-term preservation while reserving digital methods for records requiring frequent access.

2. Digital Access to Analog Archives: As the National Electronic Article Surveillance (EAS) Information Bureau notes, modern technologies allow for efficient conversion between microfilm and digital formats, providing "the accessibility benefits of digital formats while maintaining the security of analog preservation" National Archives21.

3. Risk-Based Format Selection: The National Archives' Digital Preservation Framework includes a sophisticated Risk Matrix that evaluates "each file format through a series of 27 questions across eight risk categories" NARA Fixity Check Blog22. Similar risk assessments can help determine which records require the enhanced security of microfilm preservation.

4. Redundant Preservation: Best practices in digital preservation often include maintaining multiple copies in different locations. A hybrid approach extends this redundancy across different technological systems, potentially including both digital and microfilm copies of particularly critical records.

Cost Considerations in Hybrid Preservation

While implementing a hybrid preservation strategy may involve higher initial costs, it can offer long-term economic benefits. The National Archives notes that "in an unmanaged environment, digital has 1/100 the life expectancy of microfilm (5 years compared to 500)" National Archives21. This significant disparity in longevity impacts the total cost of ownership over time.

Furthermore, the ongoing costs of digital preservation are substantial: "Cost for minimal maintenance of one set of the master image files (off-line) and access files (on-line) during the first 10 years likely to be 50% to 100% of initial investment" National Archives21. By strategically using microfilm for long-term preservation of stable content, institutions can potentially reduce these ongoing digital maintenance costs.

Digital Sovereignty and Preservation Infrastructure

Building Resilient Preservation Systems

The concept of digital sovereignty extends beyond geopolitical considerations to the practical question of who controls the technology infrastructure used for preservation. As the Internet Policy Review notes, digital sovereignty "has evolved into a discursive practice in digital policy worldwide" Internet Policy Review23.

For government archives, achieving digital sovereignty in preservation requires building resilient systems that minimize dependencies on potentially unstable or restricted technologies. This might include:

1. Open Source Preservation Solutions: Tools like Archivematica, described as "a web- and standards-based, open-source application which allows your institution to preserve long-term access to trustworthy, authentic and reliable digital content" Archivematica24, can reduce dependencies on proprietary software that may be subject to export restrictions or high licensing costs.

2. Domestic Technology Development: Following the model of initiatives like the Sovereign Tech Fund, which aims to "support a stable and vital open source ecosystem" SPRIND25, government archives might invest in developing domestic preservation technologies that reduce foreign dependencies.

3. Standards-Based Approaches: The National Archives' Digital Preservation Framework emphasizes adherence to standards such as "the OAIS model with adherence to ISO 14721:2012 and ISO 16363:2012" National Archives5. By building preservation systems around internationally recognized standards, archives can maintain interoperability even as specific technologies change.

The Role of Microfilm in Digital Sovereignty

Microfilm offers a uniquely sovereign preservation medium that is largely immune to the geopolitical and technological disruptions affecting digital systems. As the National Archives notes, microfilm is "human readable and can be easily converted back into digital formats when needed" National Archives17.

This human readability ensures that records preserved on microfilm remain accessible regardless of changes in digital technology or international relations. Unlike digital formats that may become unreadable due to obsolescence or embargo restrictions, microfilm requires only basic optical equipment to access, making it an inherently sovereign preservation medium.

Recommendations for Government Archives and Memory Institutions

Based on the research presented, several key recommendations emerge for government archives and memory institutions navigating the challenges of tariffs, protectionism, and digital preservation:

1. Adopt Risk-Based Hybrid Preservation Strategies

Institutions should develop preservation strategies that combine digital and analog methods based on a careful assessment of risks and priorities. As the Archives of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America suggests, this might involve using "microfilm for less frequently accessed records that are still legible" while reserving "scanning for material that has lasting value and needs to be immediately accessible" Archives of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America16.

2. Invest in Microfilm Infrastructure for Critical Records

Given the uncertainty in digital technology supply chains and the growing threats of ransomware, institutions should consider investing in modern microfilm technology for preserving their most critical records. The remarkable durability of microfilm—"up to 500 years under proper conditions" National Archives17—makes it an attractive option for records of permanent historical value.

3. Develop Robust Cybersecurity Practices

As CISA recommends, archives should implement comprehensive cybersecurity measures, including "regular vulnerability scanning," "offline, encrypted backups," and regular software updates CISA13. These measures are particularly critical for digital preservation systems that maintain unique historical records.

4. Pursue Digital Sovereignty Through Open Standards and Technologies

To reduce vulnerability to tariffs and trade restrictions, institutions should prioritize open standards and technologies in their digital preservation infrastructure. Tools like Archivematica provide "a web- and standards-based, open-source application" Archivematica24 that can reduce dependencies on proprietary systems potentially subject to trade restrictions.

5. Implement Comprehensive Risk Management

The Digital Preservation Coalition recommends a structured approach to risk management, including "regularly reviewing and updating risk management processes as digital preservation requirements evolve over time" Digital Preservation Coalition7. This ongoing assessment should now include geopolitical and supply chain risks alongside traditional preservation concerns.

6. Collaborate Across Institutional and National Boundaries

Despite growing protectionism, archives should maintain and strengthen international collaboration on preservation standards and practices. As the National Archives notes, engaging with "the national and international digital preservation communities and the IT industry" National Archives5 remains essential for addressing shared preservation challenges.

Conclusion: Balancing Innovation and Resilience

The landscape of digital preservation is at a critical juncture. As tariffs, protectionism, and geopolitical tensions reshape technology supply chains, government archives and memory institutions must balance technological innovation with preservation resilience. This balancing act may well lead to a renaissance for proven preservation methods like microfilm, not as a replacement for digital systems but as a complementary approach that addresses their inherent vulnerabilities.

The path forward likely lies in thoughtful hybrid preservation strategies that leverage the strengths of both digital and analog technologies. By acknowledging the dependencies and risks in purely digital approaches, and recognizing the enduring value of established preservation methods, institutions can build more resilient systems for safeguarding our collective memory.

In an era of increasing uncertainty, perhaps the most prudent approach is one that embraces technological diversity rather than dependency. As Steven Puglia of the National Archives wisely observed, "Technology is never 'THE ANSWER'. Technology is only tools. The answer is to select and use your tools wisely" National Archives21. For government archives facing the complex challenges of tariffs, protectionism, and digital threats, this wisdom has never been more relevant.

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