Cloud computing is a hot term of 2009, though it’s one of the most abused as well. As a concept, cloud computing doesn’t have a clear definition yet and its meaning has evolved from its initial designation to encompass almost every form of web-based product. Even so, the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is now starting an investigation on the privacy and security issues posed by the new tools and services which it labels as ‘cloud computing’.
The upcoming investigation was revealed in a filling with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) uncovered by The Hill. In the filing, the FTC says it recognizes the advantages of cloud computing but is concerned by some issues it poses. “However, the storage of data on remote computers may also raise privacy and security concerns for consumers,” David Vladeck, the head of the FTC’s Consumer Protection Bureau, wrote.
“For example, the ability of cloud computing services to collect and centrally store increasing amounts of consumer data, combined with the ease with which such centrally stored data may be shared with others, create a risk that larger amounts of data may be used by entities not originally intended or understood by consumers,” the filing says.
While there are some legitimate reasons for concern the FTC will have to tread lightly a… (read more)