Amazon Introduces a New “Sovereign” Cloud to Protect EU Data
Amazon is making a groundbreaking move to strengthen data protection and sovereignty in the European Union (EU) with the launch of the AWS European Sovereign Cloud.
The cloud is tailored for public sector customers and those operating in highly regulated industries, providing them with an array of options to meet the strictest regulatory data residency and operational demands.
The AWS European Sovereign Cloud will have its first AWS Region in Germany, providing customers with the highest standards of data security, availability, and performance. This newly designed cloud will operate independently, both physically and logically, from existing AWS Regions, ensuring a secure and sovereign environment.
Key Features of the AWS European Sovereign Cloud
Enhanced Data Residency: Customers with specific data residency needs will be able to keep all metadata created within the EU. This includes roles, permissions, resource labels, and configurations used to run AWS.
Exclusive EU Operations: The cloud will be managed and operated exclusively by EU-resident AWS employees located within the EU. This ensures that control and support remain within the EU region.
Stringent Sovereignty Controls: Customers can be assured that AWS will not access or use their data for any purpose without explicit agreement. This guarantees a high level of sovereignty and data protection.
Independent Billing and Metering: The AWS European Sovereign Cloud will feature its own billing and usage metering systems, allowing customers to maintain financial autonomy.
Amazon has been working closely with governments and regulatory bodies in Europe for over a decade to understand and address evolving cybersecurity, data privacy, and digital sovereignty requirements. This new offering empowers customers and partners across Europe to achieve the operational independence they need while benefiting from the extensive range of cloud services that millions of users rely on.
AWS European Sovereign Cloud customers can expect the same low latency and high availability as existing AWS Regions, with multiple Availability Zones and state-of-the-art infrastructure. This infrastructure is designed to significantly reduce the risk of business disruption due to a single event while providing low-latency connectivity for high-availability applications.
Amazon's commitment to the European market extends beyond the launch of the AWS European Sovereign Cloud. The company has a strong presence in Europe, with multiple AWS Regions and Content Distribution Network (CDN) points of presence across the continent.
The AWS European Sovereign Cloud is a significant step forward in ensuring data protection, sovereignty, and regulatory compliance for European businesses and institutions. It offers a powerful solution for organisations operating in highly regulated industries and the public sector, providing them with the flexibility and choice they need to navigate the evolving landscape of digital sovereignty requirements. With this new cloud offering, AWS continues to lead in providing innovative and secure solutions for its customers in Europe and beyond.
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