Brussels, 11/12/2013 (Agence Europe) - Following recent espionage scandals, MEPs from the European Parliament's industry, research and energy (ITRE) committee are calling for more data protection. In a non-binding resolution adopted on 10 December, they stress the need to strengthen the protection of files managed by cloud computing services - particularly at a time when cloud computing services are being called upon to develop rapidly. European rules should be applied to all cloud services, even if a client from a third country gives other instructions, the resolution notes. “In these last few years, cloud computing has grown from being a promising business concept to one of the fastest growing segments of the IT industry. European companies, and specially SMEs, must be able to seize all the opportunities in terms of competitiveness that cloud computing has to offer”, said Pilar del Castillo Vero (EPP, Spain), the MEP responsible for this issue. In her view, the EU must have safeguards to counteract foreign laws when arrangements may lead to massive illegal transfers of cloud data.
According to the ITRE committee MEPs, given the lack of redress available, European consumers are currently not well protected should there be a breach of contract with a cloud provider abroad. The ITRE committee therefore calls for better information and more redress in cases of difficulty, as well as for European guidelines for cloud contracts. “Users should get clear and distinguishable warnings that their personal data may be surveyed by foreign intelligence authorities”, the MEPs state. They urge the European Commission to make sure that consumer devices do not make use of cloud services by default and are not restricted to a specific cloud service provider. Both the Commission and member states should develop better practice as regards cloud contracts, the MEPs add. “Complete portability [of cloud services, and] a high degree of interoperability”, are needed to complete a good European cloud policy, del Castillo states. (IL/transl.fl)