Generally, most people and organisations are required to follow the laws of the country and city they’re located in, and those laws may change upon relocation. However, the situation gets a little more complex for data storage, which can fall under multiple jurisdictions and can be subject to different laws and regulations, depending on where it is collected, stored, or processed.
Given the changing geopolitical landscape, it becomes even more important for your business to understand the core principles of data sovereignty and how it affects data privacy in the cloud. In essence, data sovereignty states that data needs to be subject to the laws of the country where it was generated and collected, irrespective of where it’s stored.
But this concept can often be challenged, leaving unanswered questions like, “Who really controls my data?”
In this blog, discover why choosing a sovereign company is crucial for your cloud storage, data protection and data privacy.
What Affects Data Privacy in the Cloud?
When it comes to protecting your data, where your cloud provider is based matters a lot more than you might think. This affects all the big cloud companies too, including AWS, Azure, Oracle and Google.
Many companies claim to host your data in a “UK region” or within other local territories. However, if the cloud is owned by a US organisation, your data is still subject to US laws, regardless of where it physically sits.
One example demonstrating privacy issues with cloud storage is the US Patriot Act. This act gives US government agencies the unrestricted power to access data held by US companies, even if that data is stored outside the United States.
This means that even if you pick a “UK region” to store your data, if the company is American (or controlled by an American parent), the US government could legally compel them to hand over your information, often without your knowledge.
How It Can Impact You
This raises big questions on data sovereignty, not to mention it directly affects your customers and their sensitive data, even if it’s stored in a UK cloud. It creates a hidden risk for your UK business if you partner with a US owned cloud provider, who could share your data with US authorities without your knowledge. This legal grey area opens up many questions and compliance risks for UK businesses, especially in healthcare, finance, or legal services.
It should come as no surprise that 51% of UK companies are prioritising data sovereignty and choosing to host their data directly in the UK with a UK-based, owned and operated service. Many businesses are keen to invest in a sovereign private cloud as the ultimate solution to this cloud data privacy dilemma.
Why Should You Choose A Sovereign Private Cloud?
The best way to protect your data is by partnering with locally owned and operated, or sovereign private cloud service providers in the UK. Why? Because they are not subject to foreign jurisdiction or interference and will strictly follow regional privacy laws.
For example, if you collect and generate data in the UK, your data needs to comply with the UK’s GDPR laws.
To truly protect your data under the UK’s laws, it’s essential to choose a company that is:
- Headquartered in the UK
- Owned within the UK’s legal jurisdiction
- Operated independently from foreign oversight
Benefits of Hosting Your Data in a Sovereign Private Cloud
Here’s what you gain from hosting your data in a sovereign private cloud:
Protect Sensitive Data
Gain better data privacy in a cloud that’s sovereign, especially if you handle sensitive or critical data. It’s critical for government agencies, defence contractors, healthcare providers, law enforcement and financial institutions to maintain their industry’s security and compliance standards.
Greater Control
Your business has more control over your digital assets and resources without depending on foreign providers. You not only build self-reliance but also protect national interests.
Better Regulatory Compliance
Benefits from complying with strict UK laws and regulations that govern data protection, privacy, and sovereignty.
Flexibility
Sovereign private clouds in the UK are tailored to meet the specific needs of UK businesses, allowing you a cloud solution that’s flexible and easily scalable for your business growth.
Predictable Cost Models
Sovereign private cloud providers like BlackBox Hosting often have predictable fixed-cost models, allowing your business to know how much you need to budget. Incurred costs are also typically in the local currency, like GBP, so you’re not impacted by fluctuating exchange rates.
Why Choose BlackBox Hosting’s Sovereign Private Cloud?
Data sovereignty is a foundation of true security, privacy and customer trust. Don’t leave your sensitive information exposed under foreign laws. Gain better control, stronger compliance, and peace of mind in safeguarding your data with BlackBox Hosting’s comprehensive cloud solutions.
We are a sovereign, privacy-first cloud provider that offers cloud storage and data protection following the strictest British rules. Our private cloud environments can be deployed in your own data centre, a partner data centre, or our Tier 3+ facility.
Whichever option you choose, you and only you remain in full control of your data. We are an ISO 27001:2022 certified organisation, implementing strong measures against cyber threats and providing seamless and secure hosting.
Choose local. Stay sovereign. Partner with BlackBox Hosting. Call us on +44(0)203 740 7840 or contact us today.
