The document discusses the application of the Data Protection Act (DPA) to cloud computing, outlining key principles and responsibilities for data controllers and processors. It highlights challenges faced by cloud service users, such as terms dictated by large providers and data security, while also suggesting potential solutions including demand for better standards and ICO guidance. Additionally, it mentions upcoming changes in data protection law that may affect cloud services and data management practices.

1. Data Protection in the Cloud
Kawser Hamid
Lead Policy Officer
Information Commissioner’s Office

2. What I will talk about
•How does the Data Protection Act apply to the cloud?
•What are the key issues which need to be addressed?
•What are the potential solutions?
•Key points from our cloud guidance
•How might future changes in data protection law change things?

3. Data Protection Act - background
• Replaced the Data Protection Act 1984
• Framework for the use of personal data
• Technologically neutral
• Implements the 1995 EU Directive on Data Protection
95/46/EC

4. How does the Data Protection Act apply
to the cloud?
Q: What is the DPA about?
A: The DPA applies to the processing of personal data.
What does this mean?

5. Key concepts: data
Data is information within:
• A relevant filing system (or with that intention) i.e. highly structured and
readily accessible paper filing system
• Any type of information held by a body subject to the Freedom of
information Act
• An accessible record ie health, education, housing and social services
records
• Equipment operating automatically in response to instructions (or with that
intention) i.e. computerised format

6. Key concepts: personal data
The DPA defines personal data as:
“data which relate to a living individual who can be identified-
(a) from those data, or
(b) from those data and other information which is in the possession of, or
is likely to come into the possession of, the data controller,
and includes any expression of opinion about the individual and any
indication of the intentions of the data controller or any other person in
respect of the individual”

7. Other key concepts
• Processing – basically anything you can do to personal data e.g.
hold, disclose, amend or delete
• Data Subject - an individual who is the subject of personal data
• Data Controller – a person or body which decides what happens to
the personal data it processes
• Data Processor - a person or body (other than an employee of the
data controller) who processes personal data on behalf of the data
controller
• The DPA eight principles

8. The eight principles
The DPA is based on eight principles of good personal data handling.
The data must be:
1. Fairly and lawfully processed (and an appropriate Schedule 2 and 3
condition for processing)
2. Processed for limited purposes and not further processed in a
manner which is incompatible with those purposes
3. Adequate, relevant and not excessive
4. Accurate and up to date
5. Not kept longer than necessary
6. Processed in accordance with the individual’s rights
7. Secure
8. Not transferred to countries outside of European Economic Area
unless adequate protection is provided

9. Seventh principle
The seventh principle states that:
“Appropriate technical and organisational measures shall be
taken against unauthorised or unlawful processing of personal
data and against accidental loss or destruction of, or damage
to, personal data”

10. Seventh principle
Deciding on what is “appropriate”:
• Nature of the information
• Harm which may result
Types of measures:
• Management and organisational
• Staff
• Physical security
• Computer security
If using a data processor, the data controller must:
• Make sure that they choose a processor who can offer an adequate level of security
• Have a written contact in place with the processor
• Check that the processor is complying with the security elements of the contract

11. Eighth principle
The eighth principle states that:
“Personal data shall not be transferred to a country or
territory outside the European Economic Area unless that
country or territory ensures an adequate level of protection for
the rights and freedoms of data subjects in relation to the
processing of personal data”

12. Eighth principle
How to ensure adequacy:
• General factors to consider
• Non-EEA countries already considered adequate
• European Commission model contract clauses
• Binding Corporate Rules

13. So how does this apply to the cloud?
• Information in the cloud is data because it’s computerised.
• Much of the information bodies will use in the cloud is about living
identifiable people which says something about them – therefore is
personal data.
• The people themselves will be data subjects.
• Something is going to happen to the personal data – therefore is
being processed.
• A cloud service purchaser will be the data controller because it will
make the decisions about how the personal data is used.
• A cloud service provider will be the data processor because it is
acting upon the instructions of the data controller.
• The cloud service provider will have to provide adequate security
(7th
principle).
• Cloud service providers may transfer personal data outside the
EEA (8th
principle).

14. What are the key issues which need
to be addressed?
• Large cloud service providers are dictating the terms and
conditions.
• A cloud service provider may have its servers anywhere around
the world.
• Many cloud service providers use chains of subcontractors.
• How does a data controller ensure information governance?
• Many of the large cloud service providers are US companies and
are subject to the USA PATRIOT Act.

15. What are the potential solutions?
Cloud service providers proactively addressing data protection issues:
• Flexibility over terms and conditions
Consumer power:
• Cloud service purchasers have to demand appropriate data
protection standards.
ICO action:
• Be clear about what we think
• Empowering cloud service purchasers to make the right choices

16. ICO guidance
New cloud sections on our website:
For organisations -
“Guidance on the use of cloud computing”
http://www.ico.gov.uk/for_organisations/data_protection/topic_guides/online/
cloud_computing.aspx
For the public –
Guidance on cloud storage
http://www.ico.gov.uk/for_the_public/topic_specific_guides/online/cloud_comp
uting.aspx

17. Guidance on the use of cloud
computing – key points
Select which data to move to the cloud
Select the right the cloud provider:
• What type of provider
• Transfers outside the EEA
• Security
• Monitoring performance
• Contracts

18. How might future changes in data
protection law change things?
New (draft) Data Protection Regulation:
• Article 17 – Right to be forgotten.
• Article 18 – Right to data portability.
• Article 30 - the European Commission may specify the technical and
organisational measures required in a particular sector.
• Article 31 – Breach notification
• Article 33 – Mandatory data protection impact assessments for processing
that represents specific risks to the rights and freedoms of data subjects.
• Article 34 - Prior authorisation and consultation for international transfers.
• Article 77 - places liability on data processors as well as data controllers.

19. www.twitter.com/iconews
Keep in touch
Email: casework@ico.gsi.gov.uk
Subscribe to our e-newsletter at www.ico.gov.uk
or find us on…