French government proposes cloud computing service

WOULD you be happy letting the French government keep an eye on your computer documents, spreadsheets and digital photos?

It hopes so as it has outlined a cloud computing storage service it believes is 'a matter of strategic importance' as more and more businesses and administrations rely on storing documents beyond physical PCs and laptops.

The proposal would see the government work alongside companies such as Orange and SFR to provide a service that conforms to French and European regulations on data storage, confidentiality and security.

But why would you trust the government over existing providers of cloud computing and storage such as Google, Microsoft and Apple?

Well it is claimed that the confidentiality of data will not be compromised by laws and courts which operate outside of France and Europe, stressing the importance of this to national defence, government and companies with innovative ideas and products.

Some would argue that it just makes it easier for the government to get their hooks into businesses, for example in the past it has been claimed that the French secret service has targeted opponents of former presidents.

And considering the robustness of some government backed online projects you wonder just how reliable, and secure, a cloud computing service would be.