How to ensure European Data Sovereignty
In today’s world, maintaining control over personal and business data is more important than ever. European data sovereignty ensures that data is processed and stored under European laws, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This regulation prevents unauthorized access by foreign governments.
The Challenge: Europe’s Data in Global Clouds
Much of European data, such as personal details, photos, messages, and bank information is stored in the cloud. However, many European companies, software developers and governmental agencies have historically relied on cloud services from non-European hyperscalers. This means that even if data is stored in Europe, it may still be impacted by non-European (often US) laws and regulations.
The Risk: No control Over your Data
The influence of US “rules and regulations’ on data stored with US hyperscalers poses significant risks. This means that US companies or governments may have access to yours and your customers data, even if you live in Europe, which contradicts European law and regulations.
Beyond Compliance: Addressing Operational and Economic Dependence
Data sovereignty goes beyond just rules and regulations; it's about independence. Operational and economic dependencies on non-European entities create real vulnerabilities.
Operational Dependence: Ensuring that your infrastructure's operation and availability are free from non-European influence. In a changing geopolitical climate, certainty in 'keeping things running' is paramount. History shows examples of infrastructure being 'switched off' due to actions taken outside of Europe.
Economic Dependence: Mitigating impacts from tariffs, trade agreements, and similar external factors. By choosing European solutions, you reduce exposure to economic policies set outside of Europe.
The Solution: European Cloud Campus
As part of the European Comission’s IPCEI-CIS initiative, Leaseweb is developing a European cloud alternative through the European Cloud campus, a project aimed at creating a sovereign cloud environment. This initiative not only provides essential infrastructure and increases the cloud knowledge level across the EU,but also offers companies prioritizing European data sovereignty a solution through Leaseweb's European services, while the European Cloud Campus itself delivers a compatible, cost-effective, and sovereign alternative to non-European hyperscalers.
Benefits of Cloud Sovereignty
Control over Data Access:
By storing data in a European cloud, you ensure access is governed by European laws.
Compliance with European Standards and rules:
European data is protected by privacy laws, unlike data stored in the US, where it is subject to laws such as the CLOUD Act.
Reduced Dependence on non-European Hyperscalers:
Choosing European cloud providers reduces risks associated with foreign data access and enhances security.
Why Choose Leaseweb
We have been a trusted Dutch cloud provider since 1997. With our contribution to the IPCEI-CIS project, we are committed to supporting the necessary developments for a European cloud alternative.
"Leaseweb’s commitment to security and compliance aligns perfectly with our mission at Microfix. Their robust solutions have been crucial in helping us maintain the highest standards of data protection."
- Stéphane Auger, CTO, Équipe Microfix
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Since partnering with Leaseweb, Enable U has scaled its platform to serve millions of messages, ensuring that governments can deliver their services in a secure and reliable way to their citizens, companies, and employees.
"Leaseweb’s infrastructure allows us the freedom to innovate, providing the flexibility and partnership we need to serve our government clients reliably."
- Jascha Gregorowitsch, CTO, Enable U
Take the Data Sovereignty Check
Is your data stored in the EU?
Who controls access to your data?
Does your data processing comply with GDPR?
Under which legal jurisdiction does your data fall?
What security measures are in place to protect your data?
If you don’t know the answer to these questions, then get in touch with one of our experts.
