Microsoft has revealed that EU users of its upcoming cloud services may have their personal information intercepted by US law enforcers. Because of the USA Patriot Act, law enforcement authorities in the US have the right to access the personal data which is held by US-based companies.
In a statement, Microsoft explained:
“In a limited number of circumstances, Microsoft may need to disclose data without your prior consent, including as needed to satisfy legal requirements, or to protect the rights or property of Microsoft or others (including the enforcement of agreements or policies governing the use of the service).”
Cloud services give consumers access to their files anywhere they can access the internet. This can be hugely useful, but the risk of data loss and hacking is always a possibility and it seems inevitable that security will be breached by hackers as well as US law enforcement
Solution - Never use your real details when signing up. Encrypt everything you upload with passwords of at least 64 random characters & symbols.
Don't they realise that every criminal or terrorist with half a brain will already be doing this?
Posted by: CCTVHater | 05/07/2011 at 12:50 PM
Can we assume then that this will also be the case for the new iCloud services?
Posted by: ohno | 05/07/2011 at 01:12 PM
Apologies - I should have said Apple iCloud services.
Posted by: ohno | 05/07/2011 at 01:13 PM