Big tech companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft could have an easier shot at European government cloud contracts. This comes after the EU relaxed draft rules for a cybersecurity certification scheme.
Previously, the draft required cloud service providers to be free from influence of non-EU laws. This effectively limited participation by US companies. The EU is still finalizing the scheme, which aims to ensure secure cloud services for governments and businesses.
The EU is wary of potential government surveillance through US cloud providers. Additionally, some European governments worry that US dominance might stifle competition from EU companies.
Earlier drafts proposed that US tech giants form joint ventures with EU companies and store data within the bloc to qualify for EU certification. However, this strict “sovereignty requirement” faced criticism from European businesses who felt technical aspects should be prioritized.
The latest draft, from March 22nd, removes these requirements. Now, cloud providers simply need to disclose data storage locations and applicable laws. EU nations are reviewing the revised draft, and the European Commission will finalize the scheme after that.
Previously, the draft required cloud service providers to be free from influence of non-EU laws. This effectively limited participation by US companies. The EU is still finalizing the scheme, which aims to ensure secure cloud services for governments and businesses.
The EU is wary of potential government surveillance through US cloud providers. Additionally, some European governments worry that US dominance might stifle competition from EU companies.
Earlier drafts proposed that US tech giants form joint ventures with EU companies and store data within the bloc to qualify for EU certification. However, this strict “sovereignty requirement” faced criticism from European businesses who felt technical aspects should be prioritized.
The latest draft, from March 22nd, removes these requirements. Now, cloud providers simply need to disclose data storage locations and applicable laws. EU nations are reviewing the revised draft, and the European Commission will finalize the scheme after that.
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