May 20th marked a crucial milestone to both the cloud and privacy communities, not solely within the EU, but globally. Today, the EU Cloud CoC is the only legally operational GDPR transnational Code of Conduct, while SCOPE Europe is the first monitoring body to be accredited by data protection authorities and responsible to oversee the Code’s enforcement.
Cloud computing is increasingly vital for the day-to-day activities of citizens, businesses, and public entities, especially in the post-pandemic world. Against this background, fomenting trust in those services is simply indispensable for boosting innovation and growth within each and every market across the globe.
Alibaba Cloud is the digital technology and intelligence backbone of Alibaba Group and its membership goes back to the Code’s foundation in 2017 – while its adherence was completed in 2020 –, further attests to the unique ability that this tool bears to promote international cohesion, a crucial element for the fostering of transparency, accountability, and, consequently, for the broad dissemination of cloud solutions.
As an early and strong supporter of the Code, Alibaba has continuously demonstrated its commitment to the upholding of high levels of data protection standards, besides its engagement with the development of co-regulatory initiatives.
Speaking at the EU Cloud Compliance Summit, Selina Yuan, President of International Business at Alibaba Cloud Intelligence, addressed the approval of the EU Cloud CoC:
We are pleased that the EU Cloud CoC forges the high constant standard of data protection and the necessary room for continuous development and improvement in the cloud market. We look forward to working with all member partners for the joining efforts under the EU Cloud CoC, it is our great honor to have this opportunity.
On the Code’s approval and Alibaba Cloud’s contribution to this achievement, Jörn Wittmann, Managing Director of SCOPE Europe, stated:
As a Founding member, Alibaba Cloud has been an important driving force behind the success of this initiative. This meaningful and long-lasting cooperation has significantly contributed to the remarkable outreach of the EU Cloud CoC and will certainly continue to positively impact the cloud and regulatory communities in Europe and beyond.
About EU Cloud CoC
The EU Cloud Code of Conduct is an approved and fully legally operational Code of Conduct pursuant to Article 40 GDPR. Defining clear requirements for Cloud Service Providers to implement Article 28 GDPR, the Code covers all cloud service layers (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS), has its compliance overseen by an accredited monitoring body, and represents the vast majority of the European cloud industry market share.
