Why Data Sovereignty Matters in Cloud Computing
Though it sounds like something you might hear at a UN general assembly rather than in a software context - data sovereignty is in fact a very important concept in cloud computing. Essentially, it holds your business’s privacy and legal compliance together. But what does data sovereignty actually mean? Why should you care? And how do you go about it?
Understanding Data Sovereignty
Data sovereignty refers to the concept that data is subject to the laws and governance structures within the nation it is collected. When your data is stored in a country, it falls under that country's jurisdiction, and this can have serious implications for privacy, access, and control.
Imagine that your company’s critical data is stored in a cloud server in another country. Suddenly, that country enacts a new law. Overnight, all of your company data is potentially accessible by foreign governments.
Why You Need to Care
The above example is just one scenario where data sovereignty is important. Here are three major reasons why it matters:
Legal Compliance: Different countries have different data protection laws. GDPR in Europe, CCPA in California, and other regional regulations mean you need to know where your data is and which laws apply.
Privacy: Data sovereignty helps protect sensitive information from prying eyes. If your data is held in a country with stringent privacy laws, it’s far less likely to be accessed or mishandled.
Control: Knowing where your data is stored gives you greater control. If there’s a breach or issue, you know the jurisdiction and can act swiftly.
Cloud Providers and Their Approaches
Different cloud providers have different strategies for handling data sovereignty:
Amazon Web Services (AWS): Offers regions and availability zones to help ensure your data stays within chosen geographic boundaries.
Microsoft Azure: Provides a range of compliance certifications and tools to help manage data residency.
Google Cloud: Emphasises data localisation with tools to control where data is stored and processed.
Navigating the maze of data sovereignty laws and requirements can be daunting. That’s where Releaseworks comes in - we have extensive experience helping clients manage and maintain data sovereignty.
Data sovereignty might seem like another bureaucratic hurdle. In reality, it’s your shield against potential legal and privacy disasters. So, take it seriously. Assess your data, know the laws, and do your research on cloud providers. And if you need help, Releaseworks is here to steer you through the stormy seas of data sovereignty.
