The cloud issue needs pragmatic solutions - not more uncertainty

The question of how Swedish municipalities and public authorities can use privately delivered cloud services has been much discussed in the past year. A discussion that has now further intensified. Many actors are involved and many have felt compelled to give their views on the matter. Above all, it has been about whether other countries could request access to Swedish data stored in the cloud.

The government has therefore decided to appoint an inquiry to see if there is a need to change the legislation in this area. The inquiry is due to give its answer next year. We at IT&Telekomföretagen welcome the investigation. But we have also warned against the belief that a return to the state monopolies and proprietary systems of the past would be beneficial.

In fact, the surge in cloud computing is typical of what happens when new solutions break with established rules and approaches. Structural transformation is felt. And we can see that digitization is turning our ideas upside down in many areas. For example, drones, electric scooters, streaming services, digital healthcare providers and artificial intelligence. These are new, disruptive solutions that not only deliver great benefits but also challenge and provoke. Of course, sometimes you get it wrong and there is a need for self-regulation or legislation. That said, market solutions are usually preferable if you want a good balance between, for example, security, cost-effectiveness, innovation and social benefit. If this is to continue to be the case in the future, an in-depth dialogue and collaboration between public actors and the private market is required.

When it comes to cloud computing in the public sector, there is clearly a need to establish greater legal certainty. Regulatory uncertainty benefits no one. It contributes to inaction. So it is good that the issue is being investigated. But we cannot sit still, we need to move forward pragmatically to learn and to manage the situation here and now. Many public actors are already using or are about to use privately delivered cloud services to develop and streamline their operations with the help of digitization. We and our member companies want to be involved in finding pragmatic solutions.

To contribute to increased knowledge and dialogue between public and private actors, we have therefore invited you to a seminar tomorrow, Friday 29 November, where different perspectives will be highlighted. Our hope is that it can help us all move forward.

Click on this link to take part in the seminar which will be webcast.