Can Big Tech be Trusted with Sovereign Cloud? (fd.nl article insights)

Key Takeaways:

• Cloud Sovereignty is a growing concern among European companies and governments.
• A nuanced approach is needed to ensure true sovereignty.
• The regulatory framework surrounding cloud sovereignty is evolving.

Navigating the complexities of Sovereign Cloud

The cloud computing landscape has undergone significant changes in recent years, with European companies and governments increasingly concerned about their dependence on American cloud services. The growing awareness of the risks associated with storing sensitive data in the cloud has sparked a heated debate about the need for a sovereign cloud. In this blog post, we will explore the concerns surrounding cloud sovereignty, the responses from big tech companies, and the implications for the future of the European economy, based on our analysis of the original article published in [Source: fd.nl/tech-en-innovatie/1564221/big-tech-garandeert-de-soevereine-cloud-de-trukendoos-gaat-open].

Our takeaways from the article, which featured insights from Maaike Okano-Heijmans (Clingendael), Arnold Juffer (Nebul), and Ruud Alaerds (Dutch Cloud Community), highlight the complexities of cloud sovereignty and the need for a nuanced approach.

The concerns surrounding Cloud Sovereignty

The growing dependence on American cloud services, such as Microsoft and AWS, has raised concerns among European companies and governments. As noted in the article, “European companies and governments have been moving their data and business software to the cloud for years. Now, there are concerns about the large dependence on companies like Microsoft and AWS and the American grip on data.” Maaike Okano-Heijmans, geopolitics and digitalization expert at Clingendael, highlights that “cloud sovereignty was sometimes perceived as anti-American. But it’s about European competitiveness.”

The fear of American access to European data stored with big tech has been a major concern. The article notes that “the fear in Europe was previously focused on American access to European data stored with big tech. This can be done via the American Cloud Act from 2018 (suspicions of law violations) and via a provision in the intelligence law, FISA 702 (suspicions of, among other things, terrorism).” Ruud Alaerds, director of the Dutch Cloud Community, cautions that “you could expect it, they’re opening their trick box. But what matters is whether the ultimate controlling party is in the US.”

The responses from Big Tech

In response to the concerns, big tech companies are launching new initiatives. For instance, “AWS announced its Sovereign European Cloud in 2023, and this year it was reported that the cloud would be operational by the end of the year. Google and Microsoft have stated that European customers’ data can remain in Europe,” as noted in the article. However, experts question whether these measures are sufficient to ensure true sovereignty.

The way forward

The issue of cloud sovereignty requires a nuanced approach. As Arnold Juffer, CEO of Nebul, notes, “the issue is not just about the location of the data, but also about who has control over it.” Alaerds adds that “we need to be realistic about the sovereign cloud. If it’s not about sensitive data, there’s little against using an American cloud provider.”

The regulatory framework surrounding cloud sovereignty is evolving. According to Alaerds, “for cybersecurity, European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) has developed a standard, which is a basis we can fall back on.” However, a specific standard or certification for sovereign cloud is still lacking.

Conclusion

The concerns surrounding cloud sovereignty are multifaceted, and the responses from big tech companies are varied. As the landscape continues to evolve, it is clear that a nuanced approach is needed to address the complex issues at play. As Okano-Heijmans aptly puts it, “cloud sovereignty is about European competitiveness.”

The future of the European economy depends on it. Read all about it at: : fd.nl/tech-en-innovatie/1564221/big-tech-garandeert-de-soevereine-cloud-de-trukendoos-gaat-open].

Don’t let cloud sovereignty concerns hold you back. Contact us today to schedule a free call and discuss how we can help you navigate the complexities of cloud sovereignty and ensure the security and integrity of your data. -> https://nebul.prod.tabs-spaces.dev/contact/