The CLOUD Act, passed in 2018, allows US authorities to compel technology companies based in the US to provide them with data stored on their servers worldwide. This law has raised concerns for European and UK companies using US-based tech service providers, as it means that their data could potentially be accessed by US federal law enforcement agencies.
The strained relationship between the US and many European countries under the Trump administration has led to a shift in attitudes towards data privacy and sovereignty. This was evident at recent tech expos like Gitex, Berlin, where companies showcased technologies emphasizing sovereignty and privacy in response to the CLOUD Act.
European companies are increasingly looking for alternatives to traditional US-based cloud services to protect their data and avoid potential legal conflicts with laws like the GDPR. This trend has led to the emergence of Europe-first technologies and services, with companies like Cloud-Network.ai offering data migration services for EU organizations concerned about data governance and oversight.
Overall, the impact of the CLOUD Act on European businesses has prompted a reevaluation of data security and privacy practices, leading to a growing demand for European-based tech solutions that prioritize stability, predictability, and trust. This shift reflects a broader trend towards greater autonomy and control over data in the face of evolving global data protection laws.