Cloud Computing Facing Information Privacy Challenges In (and Outside of) U.S.

Relevant Article

Patrick Thibodeau's article in Computerworld, titled "Cloud Vendors Seek Better Online Data Protections",  highlights a major challenge for "Cloud Computing" vendors attempting to address privacy information issues in the United States.

http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9187639/Cloud_vendors_seek_better_online_data_protections?taxonomyId=158&pageNumber=1

Executives from leading cloud vendors including Microsoft, Google and Amazon.com have been urging the American Congress to support the goal of giving data stored in cloud computing systems the same legal protections as information stored on one's own personal computer.

There is contention over privacy implications of sensitive data stored in remote sites. The concern relates to circumstances under which the U.S. government can compel disclosure of data from third party providers. Customers of U.S. cloud computing firms, especially those based outside of the United States, want assurances that the U.S. government will not access their data without due process. The cloud computing executives plead that the lack of protections is deterring potential business users of their services.

Personal Comments

For those not familiar with the basis of cloud computing, it involves resources such as hardware, software, data storage and even infrastructure being provided over the Internet or 'cloud'.  Cloud computer users typically rent these resources from a third party provider. This is an alternative to an organization investing and housing these computer resources. All that a user requires is a device with internet access.

Impact Is Beyond U.S.A.
Although, this article pertains to the United States, there are international implications. It is especially the customers outside of the United States that are requesting assurances.

Also, similar to the cost cutting measure of outsourcing and offshoring, the cloud computing vendors will search for the least expensive locales to house the computing resources. Does it necessarily have to be within their country?

Not Enough Privacy or Too Much Privacy?
Government and law enforcement agencies will be hesitant about relinquishing legal aids in regards to granting greater privacy to information. Preventing cyberattacks and at the same time ensuring rights of privacy will be a complex challenge.
Cloud computing vendors that house a concentration of mega corporations will be magnets for a barrage of hackers to infiltrate.

Pertinent Questions In Considering Cloud Computing
For organizations contemplating obtaining cloud computing services, in addition to privacy issues, the following are some of the basic questions to be considered.
Will I be able to get access to my information whenever I need it?
Will my information be safe from hackers?
What are the security protocols in place?

Where will my information be stored?

Is it possible my information may be stored in another country? If yes, what are their laws and regulations?

It seems inevitable, that many organizations will gravitate towards being cloud computing users.

Personally, I prefer to store and control my information rather than rely on another party. I believe that the majority of people have greater confidence in their own capabilities to protect their information.

Hopefully, cloud computing providers will prove their dependability and reliability over time, and then public confidence in their services will be earned.