{"id":13520,"date":"2025-10-15T09:13:55","date_gmt":"2025-10-15T07:13:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/?p=13520"},"modified":"2025-10-15T14:20:04","modified_gmt":"2025-10-15T12:20:04","slug":"cloud-act","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/cloud-act\/","title":{"rendered":"The US CLOUD Act explained: how to keep your data safe and GDPR-compliant"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>One of the most talked-about laws affecting US cloud providers is the CLOUD Act. It compels American companies to hand over data to the US government no matter where that data is physically stored. What does that mean for European businesses? In this blog, we explain it in plain language.<\/strong><\/p>\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-inline-notice uagb-inline_notice__align-left uagb-block-73528947 uagb-inline_notice__outer-wrap\">\n<p class=\"uagb-notice-title\">TL;DR: why the CLOUD Act is a risk for your data<\/p>\n<div class=\"uagb-notice-text\">\n<p>The CLOUD Act is a US law that obliges companies to share data with the government even if that data is hosted in Europe. For European organisations, that\u2019s a risk: it can clash with the GDPR, create compliance issues, and lead to unwanted access to sensitive information. The solution? Choose European cloud providers like Combell, offering local, GDPR-compliant data centres.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-table-of-contents uagb-toc__align-left uagb-toc__columns-1  uagb-block-080e7207     \"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-scroll= \"1\"\n\t\t\t\t\tdata-offset= \"30\"\n\t\t\t\t\tstyle=\"\"\n\t\t\t\t><\/p>\n<div class=\"uagb-toc__wrap\">\n<div class=\"uagb-toc__title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>Table of contents<\/strong>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox= \"0 0 384 512\"><path d=\"M192 384c-8.188 0-16.38-3.125-22.62-9.375l-160-160c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.75 0-45.25s32.75-12.5 45.25 0L192 306.8l137.4-137.4c12.5-12.5 32.75-12.5 45.25 0s12.5 32.75 0 45.25l-160 160C208.4 380.9 200.2 384 192 384z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<div class=\"uagb-toc__list-wrap\">\n<ol class=\"uagb-toc__list\">\n<li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#us-cloud-providers-popular-but-not-without-risk\">US cloud providers: popular, but not without risk<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#explained-what-is-the-us-cloud-act\">Explained: what is the US CLOUD Act?<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#gdpr-and-the-cloud-act-dont-get-along\">GDPR and the CLOUD Act don\u2019t get along<\/a><\/li>\n<ul class=\"uagb-toc__list\">\n<li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#the-cloud-act-put-microsoft-in-a-tight-spot\">The CLOUD Act put Microsoft in a tight spot<\/a><\/li>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#what-about-your-companys-data\">What about your company\u2019s data?<\/a><\/li>\n<ul class=\"uagb-toc__list\">\n<li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#local-hosting-on-european-soil-as-the-answer\">Local hosting on European soil as the answer<\/a><\/li>\n<li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#practical-tips-how-to-protect-your-business-data\">Practical tips: how to protect your business data<\/a><\/li>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"uagb-toc__list\"><a href=\"#choose-combell-your-data-safe-in-europe\">Choose Combell: your data safe in Europe<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/ul>\n<\/ol><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">US cloud providers: popular, but not without risk<\/h2>\n<p>US cloud providers have been popular among European companies for years. Their technology is advanced, scalable, and easy to adopt. <strong>But behind those benefits lies an important risk that\u2019s often overlooked<\/strong>: US legislation with a direct impact on the privacy of your data even when that data is hosted in Europe.<\/p>\n<p>One of the biggest risks when you choose American cloud services? The <strong>US CLOUD Act<\/strong>. Imagine hosting your data in a Belgian data centre, but via a US cloud provider. The US government can still demand access to that data. Providers like AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud may look attractive on paper, but they operate in a legal minefield.<\/p>\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-inline-notice uagb-inline_notice__align-left uagb-block-473f1801 uagb-inline_notice__outer-wrap\">\n<p class=\"uagb-notice-title\">Also read<\/p>\n<div class=\"uagb-notice-text\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/business-prefer-not-to-store-data-in-us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Why 72% of European businesses prefer not to store their data in the US.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<p>If you look beyond the price tag and the technical specs, it quickly becomes clear: blindly trusting providers from <em>the States<\/em> is unwise.<\/p>\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>If your data is hosted by an American company, the US government can request it\u2014yes, even without your knowledge, and even if you aren\u2019t active in the US.<\/p>\n<p><cite><strong>Siegfried Deleyn, Senior Solutions Sales Expert at Combell<\/strong><\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Explained: what is the US CLOUD Act?<\/h2>\n<p>The '<strong>Clarifying Lawful Overseas Use of Data Act'<\/strong><em> - <\/em>the CLOUD Act - is a US law from 2018.<\/p>\n<p>It requires American technology companies to hand over data to the US government even if that data is physically outside the US, for example in a European data centre.<\/p>\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"731\" src=\"https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/files\/cloud-act@2x-1024x731.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13530\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/files\/cloud-act@2x-1024x731.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/files\/cloud-act@2x-300x214.png 300w, https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/files\/cloud-act@2x-768x549.png 768w, https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/files\/cloud-act@2x.png 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<p><strong>\u201cMany companies don\u2019t realise that data in a Belgian data centre can still fall under US law as soon as it\u2019s managed by a US party,\u201d<\/strong> says Siegfried Deleyn, Senior Solutions Sales Expert at Combell.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf your data is hosted by an American company, the US government can request it. Yes, even without your knowledge and even if your company itself isn\u2019t active in the US.\u201d<\/p>\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-inline-notice uagb-inline_notice__align-left uagb-block-dd0e3a43 uagb-inline_notice__outer-wrap\">\n<p class=\"uagb-notice-title\">Did you know...<\/p>\n<div class=\"uagb-notice-text\">\n<p>\u2026the CLOUD Act has nothing to do with \u201cthe cloud\u201d? The name suggests it only targets cloud providers, but it doesn\u2019t. <em>CLOUD<\/em> stands for <em>Clarifying Lawful Overseas Use of Data<\/em>, and the law covers <strong>all US technology companies<\/strong> that have access to data\u2014even outside the US.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<p>That means <strong>not only hyperscalers like AWS or Azure fall under this law<\/strong>, but also many other tools and services you use every day: from email platforms and accounting software to project-management tools or CRMs. Even freelancers storing client data in a US SaaS tool can - unknowingly - end up violating the GDPR. The impact of the CLOUD Act is much broader than often assumed. It\u2019s not about \u201cthe cloud\u201d; it\u2019s <strong>about access to your data<\/strong> wherever it lives.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">GDPR and the CLOUD Act don\u2019t get along<\/h2>\n<p>This puts European companies in a tight spot. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/what-is-gdpr\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">GDPR<\/a>, our European privacy law, imposes strict requirements on how and where personal data is processed and protected. <strong>The CLOUD Act can run counter to those requirements.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>You could face:<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-icon-list uagb-block-46f708e6\">\n<div class=\"uagb-icon-list__wrap\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-icon-list-child uagb-block-544c2dcd\"><span class=\"uagb-icon-list__source-wrap\"><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path d=\"M0 256C0 114.6 114.6 0 256 0C397.4 0 512 114.6 512 256C512 397.4 397.4 512 256 512C114.6 512 0 397.4 0 256zM168 232C154.7 232 144 242.7 144 256C144 269.3 154.7 280 168 280H344C357.3 280 368 269.3 368 256C368 242.7 357.3 232 344 232H168z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"uagb-icon-list__label\">Legal conflicts between European and US legislation<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-icon-list-child uagb-block-beef7818\"><span class=\"uagb-icon-list__source-wrap\"><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path d=\"M0 256C0 114.6 114.6 0 256 0C397.4 0 512 114.6 512 256C512 397.4 397.4 512 256 512C114.6 512 0 397.4 0 256zM168 232C154.7 232 144 242.7 144 256C144 269.3 154.7 280 168 280H344C357.3 280 368 269.3 368 256C368 242.7 357.3 232 344 232H168z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"uagb-icon-list__label\">The risk that sensitive customer data is accessed without your knowledge or consent<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-icon-list-child uagb-block-e9303cdb\"><span class=\"uagb-icon-list__source-wrap\"><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path d=\"M0 256C0 114.6 114.6 0 256 0C397.4 0 512 114.6 512 256C512 397.4 397.4 512 256 512C114.6 512 0 397.4 0 256zM168 232C154.7 232 144 242.7 144 256C144 269.3 154.7 280 168 280H344C357.3 280 368 269.3 368 256C368 242.7 357.3 232 344 232H168z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"uagb-icon-list__label\">Compliance problems for organisations striving to act in line with the GDPR<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The CLOUD Act put Microsoft in a tight spot<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stanfordlawreview.org\/online\/microsoft-ireland-cloud-act-international-lawmaking-2-0\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">A striking example<\/a> is the case where the US government demanded that Microsoft hand over emails stored in an Irish data centre. <strong>Microsoft refused at first, but the CLOUD Act ultimately clarified that such data can be made accessible to the US.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The case created a precedent with lasting impact: even if your data sits on European soil, that\u2019s no guarantee against foreign interference. <strong>The CLOUD Act applies as long as a US party is involved.<\/strong><\/p>\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide has-blue-faded-background-color has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-1 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.combell.com\/nl\/blog\/files\/cover-hosting-in-europe.jpg\" alt=\"Hosting in Europe\" class=\"wp-image-28833\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:85%\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading uagb-heading-text mt-1\">Download the full report from team.blue<\/h4>\n<p>Geopolitical tensions and evolving regulations are pushing companies to rethink where they host their data. This report from team.blue reveals how over 2,000 European organisations are navigating data storage in today\u2019s shifting landscape.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-icon-list uagb-block-bcc89feb uagb-icon-list__outer-wrap uagb-icon-list__layout-vertical\">\n<div class=\"uagb-icon-list__wrap\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-icon-list-child uagb-block-9c15fbc3 uagb-icon-list-repeater uagb-icon-list__wrapper\"><a target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Download the full report here\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/on.combell.com\/en\/reports\/hosting-in-europe\"> <\/a><span class=\"uagb-icon-list__source-wrap\"><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path d=\"M504.3 273.6l-112.1 104c-6.992 6.484-17.18 8.218-25.94 4.406c-8.758-3.812-14.42-12.45-14.42-21.1L351.9 288H32C14.33 288 .0002 273.7 .0002 255.1S14.33 224 32 224h319.9l0-72c0-9.547 5.66-18.19 14.42-22c8.754-3.809 18.95-2.075 25.94 4.41l112.1 104C514.6 247.9 514.6 264.1 504.3 273.6z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"uagb-icon-list__label\"><strong>Download the full report here<\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What about your company\u2019s data?<\/h2>\n<p>If your organisation uses US cloud services, you risk that:<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-icon-list uagb-block-04d6bb4f\">\n<div class=\"uagb-icon-list__wrap\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-icon-list-child uagb-block-f245c1ab\"><span class=\"uagb-icon-list__source-wrap\"><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path d=\"M0 256C0 114.6 114.6 0 256 0C397.4 0 512 114.6 512 256C512 397.4 397.4 512 256 512C114.6 512 0 397.4 0 256zM168 232C154.7 232 144 242.7 144 256C144 269.3 154.7 280 168 280H344C357.3 280 368 269.3 368 256C368 242.7 357.3 232 344 232H168z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"uagb-icon-list__label\">Sensitive business data becomes accessible to foreign governments<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-icon-list-child uagb-block-e33c6e4a\"><span class=\"uagb-icon-list__source-wrap\"><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path d=\"M0 256C0 114.6 114.6 0 256 0C397.4 0 512 114.6 512 256C512 397.4 397.4 512 256 512C114.6 512 0 397.4 0 256zM168 232C154.7 232 144 242.7 144 256C144 269.3 154.7 280 168 280H344C357.3 280 368 269.3 368 256C368 242.7 357.3 232 344 232H168z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"uagb-icon-list__label\">You may be acting against GDPR requirements<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-icon-list-child uagb-block-5f73668b\"><span class=\"uagb-icon-list__source-wrap\"><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path d=\"M0 256C0 114.6 114.6 0 256 0C397.4 0 512 114.6 512 256C512 397.4 397.4 512 256 512C114.6 512 0 397.4 0 256zM168 232C154.7 232 144 242.7 144 256C144 269.3 154.7 280 168 280H344C357.3 280 368 269.3 368 256C368 242.7 357.3 232 344 232H168z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"uagb-icon-list__label\">Customers or partners start (rightly) asking questions about your compliance and data governance<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<p>It\u2019s not just a legal risk, it\u2019s a reputational one. <strong>Transparency about how you manage data is increasingly essential<\/strong>, especially in sectors dealing with privacy-sensitive information.<\/p>\n<p>Siegfried adds: <strong>\u201cAs an organisation, it\u2019s important to have both a strong and a transparent relationship with your hosting partner.<\/strong> Choosing a <a href=\"https:\/\/european-alternatives.eu\/product\/combell\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">European hosting partner such as Combell<\/a> is not only safer; it also sends a clear signal to your customers that you take their privacy seriously.\u201d<\/p>\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"731\" src=\"https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/files\/server-europe-cloud@2x-2-1024x731.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/files\/server-europe-cloud@2x-2-1024x731.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/files\/server-europe-cloud@2x-2-300x214.png 300w, https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/files\/server-europe-cloud@2x-2-768x549.png 768w, https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/files\/server-europe-cloud@2x-2.png 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Local hosting on European soil as the answer<\/h3>\n<p>Fortunately, there are alternatives that keep your data squarely within European privacy boundaries. Consider:<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-icon-list uagb-block-8a7ce2eb\">\n<div class=\"uagb-icon-list__wrap\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-icon-list-child uagb-block-33001b08\"><span class=\"uagb-icon-list__source-wrap\"><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path d=\"M0 256C0 114.6 114.6 0 256 0C397.4 0 512 114.6 512 256C512 397.4 397.4 512 256 512C114.6 512 0 397.4 0 256zM256 368C269.3 368 280 357.3 280 344V280H344C357.3 280 368 269.3 368 256C368 242.7 357.3 232 344 232H280V168C280 154.7 269.3 144 256 144C242.7 144 232 154.7 232 168V232H168C154.7 232 144 242.7 144 256C144 269.3 154.7 280 168 280H232V344C232 357.3 242.7 368 256 368z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"uagb-icon-list__label\"><strong>European cloud providers and hosting companies<\/strong> like Combell<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-icon-list-child uagb-block-db987b50\"><span class=\"uagb-icon-list__source-wrap\"><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path d=\"M0 256C0 114.6 114.6 0 256 0C397.4 0 512 114.6 512 256C512 397.4 397.4 512 256 512C114.6 512 0 397.4 0 256zM256 368C269.3 368 280 357.3 280 344V280H344C357.3 280 368 269.3 368 256C368 242.7 357.3 232 344 232H280V168C280 154.7 269.3 144 256 144C242.7 144 232 154.7 232 168V232H168C154.7 232 144 242.7 144 256C144 269.3 154.7 280 168 280H232V344C232 357.3 242.7 368 256 368z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"uagb-icon-list__label\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/datacenters\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">GDPR-compliant data centres<\/a><\/strong> that are physically <strong>and<\/strong> legally under European law<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-icon-list-child uagb-block-9dc5ff2c\"><span class=\"uagb-icon-list__source-wrap\"><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path d=\"M0 256C0 114.6 114.6 0 256 0C397.4 0 512 114.6 512 256C512 397.4 397.4 512 256 512C114.6 512 0 397.4 0 256zM256 368C269.3 368 280 357.3 280 344V280H344C357.3 280 368 269.3 368 256C368 242.7 357.3 232 344 232H280V168C280 154.7 269.3 144 256 144C242.7 144 232 154.7 232 168V232H168C154.7 232 144 242.7 144 256C144 269.3 154.7 280 168 280H232V344C232 357.3 242.7 368 256 368z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"uagb-icon-list__label\"><strong>Private cloud solutions<\/strong> that give you full control over your infrastructure<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-icon-list-child uagb-block-1a875444\"><span class=\"uagb-icon-list__source-wrap\"><svg xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path d=\"M0 256C0 114.6 114.6 0 256 0C397.4 0 512 114.6 512 256C512 397.4 397.4 512 256 512C114.6 512 0 397.4 0 256zM256 368C269.3 368 280 357.3 280 344V280H344C357.3 280 368 269.3 368 256C368 242.7 357.3 232 344 232H280V168C280 154.7 269.3 144 256 144C242.7 144 232 154.7 232 168V232H168C154.7 232 144 242.7 144 256C144 269.3 154.7 280 168 280H232V344C232 357.3 242.7 368 256 368z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/span><span class=\"uagb-icon-list__label\"><strong>Clear contracts<\/strong> on data residency and access rights<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>Choosing a European hosting partner is not only safer; it also sends a clear signal to your customers that you take their privacy seriously.<\/p>\n<p><cite><strong>Siegfried Deleyn, Senior Solutions Sales Expert at Combell<\/strong><\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Practical tips: how to protect your business data<\/h3>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u2705 Audit your current cloud partners<\/h4>\n<p>Many companies use multiple SaaS or infrastructure partners without knowing exactly where data is stored or which laws apply. Check whether you (directly or through third parties) work with US providers, and determine which legislation covers their services.<\/p>\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u2705 Ask explicitly about data residency<\/h4>\n<p>Do you know exactly where your data is hosted? Have this recorded explicitly in your contracts. It avoids legal uncertainty and helps you justify your choices to customers, auditors, and regulators.<\/p>\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u2705 Work with <a href=\"https:\/\/european-alternatives.eu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">European partners<\/a> where possible<\/h4>\n<p>Especially for (privacy-)sensitive data like personal or business-critical information, opt for a local, European hosting partner. You\u2019ll be better protected against conflicting laws like the CLOUD Act. Read more on our blog about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/importance-local-cloud\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">why choosing a local cloud provider makes sense<\/a>.<\/p>\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u2705 Secure your data with encryption, back-ups, and SSL certificates<\/h4>\n<p>Legal safeguards are essential, but technical security matters just as much. Encryption, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/blog\/what-is-ssl\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">SSL<\/a>, regular back-ups, and access management ensure your data is not only compliant but actually secure.<\/p>\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-uagb-inline-notice uagb-inline_notice__align-left uagb-block-8c6106ef uagb-inline_notice__outer-wrap\">\n<p class=\"uagb-notice-title\">Tip<\/p>\n<div class=\"uagb-notice-text\">\n<p>Choose <a href=\"https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/managed-hosting\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">managed hosting<\/a> and leave maintenance, including back-ups, to Combell\u2019s experts.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u2705 Document every choice<\/h4>\n<p>Be able to demonstrate why you chose certain cloud providers, security measures, or contractual terms. Clear documentation helps with internal follow-up and strengthens your position during audits or compliance reviews.<\/p>\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Choose Combell: your data safe in Europe<\/h2>\n<p>With Combell, you can count on managed hosting, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/private-cloud-server\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">private cloud<\/a>, and security solutions that remain entirely within the EU. Our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.combell.com\/en\/datacenters\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">data centres<\/a> are located in the Benelux and meet the strictest GDPR standards.<\/p>\n<p>Want to make sure your data doesn\u2019t end up in a legal grey area?<\/p>\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-vertical is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-1 wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-fill\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-white-color has-yellow-background-color has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/on.combell.com\/en\/contact-me\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Request free advice from our experts<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>One of the most talked-about laws affecting US cloud providers is the CLOUD Act. 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