AWS Launches European Sovereign Cloud to Address Data Security Concerns

Amazon's cloud service, AWS, has launched a new European Sovereign Cloud to provide an independent alternative for customers worried about data security with U.S.-based providers. The initiative aligns with the growing demand for European data centers, driven by concerns over U.S. regulations and the 2018 Cloud Act.

Amazon's cloud unit, AWS, unveiled a new service entirely hosted in Europe on Thursday. The initiative seeks to appease customers wary of data security under U.S.-based providers by presenting it as an independent European alternative. AWS emphasized that the European Sovereign Cloud's data centers are both physically and legally isolated from the company's global network.

With European users increasingly turning to non-U.S. technology alternatives, AWS aims to respond to concerns over data access by U.S. authorities. This sentiment has grown since the introduction of more stringent digital policies during Donald Trump's presidency, highlighting the importance of having European-located data centers.

Germany's Digital Minister, Karsten Wildberger, emphasized that digital sovereignty provides 'real choices' rather than isolation. AWS is planning to invest over 7.8 billion euros in establishing data centers across Germany and other European regions, customizing compliance to meet European governmental and corporate data requirements.