Cloud Computing Law

Building on innovative research undertaken by the 'Cloud Legal Project' at Queen Mary, University of London, this work analyses the key legal and regulatory issues relevant to cloud computing under European and English law.

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Cloud computing, whereby software, data processing, data storage and other key IT requirements are delivered as a service via the Internet, is evolving rapidly. However, whilst many organisations are becoming reliant on cloud resources, contracts for cloud services often contain provisions that are inappropriate, unenforceable and/or illegal. Similarly, the application of established data protection concepts to the storage and processing of information in cloud
environments can be problematic, with fundamental uncertainties as to what is regulated, who is reponsible, which laws apply, and the circumstances in which law enforcement authorities can obtain access to information.

Covering the key legal and regulatory issues surrounding cloud computing, this work provides an invaluable analysis of this evolving area of law. Topics covered include contracts, data ownership and protection, access to data, competition, and consumer protection as well as an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of governance models for cloud computing, making this the most coherent and comprehensive study of the issues surrounding cloud computing law.