Tech firms warn of EU 'cloud burst'

US technology giants including Cisco, IBM and Amazon have ripped into the EU Council’s recommendations for the data protection reforms, with even German firm SAP warning they will decimate the cloud computing industry across the continent.
The firms – which were quietly confident that their extensive lobbying would pay off – are fuming over plans to enable EU consumers not just to sue companies that hold their personal data, but also organisations that process it on their behalf. Businesses found to be in breaking the law will face massive fines calculated as a percentage of turnover.
EU officials maintain the regulations are required to harmonise data protection across Europe as part of plans to create a unified market in digital services. The officials claim that such harmonisation across the 28-country bloc – even if opposed by technology and Internet companies – will boost economic growth across the EU.
Earlier this week IAB Europe, the trade body for Internet companies, also blasted the plans, claiming the changes will drive Internet business out of Europe.
The UK DMA appears to be the lone voice in welcoming the proposals, claiming that there are many positives to be taken, including the definition of personal data; consent for marketing; legitimate Interest; and automated decision making and profiling.

Tech firms warn of EU ‘cloud burst’

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