Why PII and Sovereign Data may not be suitable to keep in foreign owned Data Centres?

Even if foreign-owned data centers are hosted within a country's geographical boundaries, storing Personally Identifiable Information (PII) and sovereign data in them can still pose significant risks:

Legal Jurisdiction:
Foreign-owned data centers may still be subject to the laws and regulations of the country where the parent company is based. This can lead to conflicts and complications in legal matters, as the data might be accessible to foreign governments under their jurisdiction.

Data Sovereignty:
Sovereign data, such as government or defense information, requires strict control and protection. Foreign ownership can compromise data sovereignty, as the parent company might be obligated to comply with foreign regulations, potentially exposing sensitive data.

Security Concerns:
Foreign-owned data centers might follow different security standards and practices. This can increase the risk of data breaches or unauthorized access, especially if the foreign entity has different priorities or less stringent security measures.

Geopolitical Risks:
Political instability or changes in foreign policies can impact the accessibility and security of data stored in foreign-owned centers. This can lead to disruptions or loss of control over critical data.

These factors highlight the importance of carefully considering where PII and sovereign data are stored to ensure compliance, security, and sovereignty.

Sharful Alam: Chief Executive Officer, Felicity IDC Limited