Many businesses use Gmail (either for free or on a paid plan), so it became quite noticeable when the service was out for a whopping 30 hours for some people.
These might include threats to freeze EU funds for poorer regions and EU mega-projects, and even the suspension of a country's voting rights in EU ministerial councils.
"We're getting them to stop, think, hit the pause button and consider the platform they now command," says Peter Reiling, a former fellow and the Aspen Institute's executive vice-president.