Data sovereignty 'refers to the idea that a country or jurisdiction has the authority and right to govern and control the data generated within its borders'.
The relevant government has the power to make decisions on the collection, storage, processing, and distribution of data that originates within its country.
You may have started to hear the term more frequently - that is because in the digital age, data is being generated through so many different channels such as eCommerce, mobile devices and social media so there is a worry over the protection of such sensitive data and how it is being controlled.
Why is it important for businesses?
• Legal compliance: Businesses operating in a particular country must comply with the data protection laws and regulations of that country. This means that they must ensure that data generated and collected within the country is stored and processed in accordance with local laws. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in legal and financial penalties.
• Data protection: Data sovereignty allows businesses to maintain control over their data and ensure that it is protected from unauthorized access or breaches. This is particularly important for sensitive data, such as personal information or trade secrets, which must be kept secure.
• Business continuity: Data sovereignty ensures that businesses have access to their data in the event of a disaster or IT failure. If data is stored in a different country, there may be legal or technical challenges to accessing it in a timely manner. By keeping data within their country, businesses can ensure that they have quick and reliable access to their data when they need it most.
• Competitive advantage: Data sovereignty can be a competitive advantage for businesses that operate in countries with strict data protection laws. By demonstrating a commitment to protecting customer data and complying with local regulations, businesses can build trust with customers and gain a competitive edge over companies that are not as diligent data protection.
How does Blue Sky Systems ensure Data Sovereignty?
We are a UK company, so we are only governed by UK/EU laws. Our data centre and equipment are located in the UK, meaning our customer's data never leaves the country.