Europe is gearing up for a change in cloud security standards with the introduction of the European Union Cloud Services (EUCS) Certification. Let’s delve into what this might mean for users and tech giants in the EU.
Understanding the EUCS Certification
Primarily, the EUCS certification was introduced as a means to maintain state sovereignty when it comes to handling user’s personal data. The initial proposal was designed to offer a legal safety net against the transfer of highly sensitive data beyond Europe’s borders.
Previous Legal Sovereignty Requirements
Under the earlier provisions, tech giants were required to enter into a joint venture with a European company if they had to store and process EU clients’ sensitive data. This would pave the way for them to achieve the highest level of cybersecurity label within the EU, akin to France’s ‘SecNumCloud’.
Recent Developments in the Proposal
However, the latest version of the proposal appears to deviate from this approach. This updated proposal eliminates the necessity for legal security for acquiring the highest level of certification. This implies that non-EU governments could gain access to EU consumers’ data using their local laws.
This shift could lead to significant repercussions. Across the board accessibility to the most sensitive personal data is one potential risk. This could also negatively impact French cloud initiatives, pushing a higher dependence on foreign entities.
The Response from the Industry
- Several companies have voiced criticism of the revised EUCS proposal.
- Key players like Airbus, Capgemini, Dassault Systems, Deutsche Telekom, and EDF are among the 18 firms voicing their concerns.
- Notably, Orange, OVHcloud, Eutelsat Group, and Sopra Steria have also joined the chorus of detractors.
The criticism primarily revolves around the potential of allowing tech giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google to host sensitive EU data in the cloud. The concern is that this could inadvertently compromise EU data security.
Hi, my name is Disha and I’m a passionate writer and editor at “Jason Deegan”. With a keen interest in all things tech, I strive to bring you the latest news and updates from the world of high-tech.