Importance of local data control for trust

🧠 Choosing tech in Europe isn’t just about features or price. It’s about control. I’ve worked on a lot of tech selections in Europe this year, and the same question keeps coming up: Why can’t we just use that US technology or cloud storage environment everyone else is using? Here’s why: 🌍 The European Accessibility Act (taking effect in 2025) means any tool that’s not accessible is off the table 🔐 GDPR and local privacy laws require strict data handling. If the data crosses borders or is exposed to US laws, that’s a problem 📍 More and more European companies want full control over where their data lives—and who can access it And now, there’s a bigger issue: 📉 New US policies could allow the government to cut off foreign access to American cloud services in the name of national security OR expose sensitive, private data that companies have an obligation to secure. That’s making European companies rethink who they can trust with critical data. This shift is happening fast. In marketing, content, DAM, and creative ops, tools are being rejected not because they don’t work—but because they can’t meet local rules around data, privacy, or accessibility. What this means: ⚖️ Longer RFP processes 🌍 Preference for EU-hosted or EU-owned platforms 💼 More pressure on global vendors to offer local options and compliance with European laws and policies If you're a vendor, are you ready? If you're a buyer, how are you balancing features with long-term risk? This isn’t just a tech choice—it’s a trust decision. #DigitalAssetManagement #MarketingOps #ContentOps #MarTech #GDPR #Accessibility #DataGovernance #DigitalStrategy

Would you live in a home where someone else holds the keys?   That’s the essence of data sovereignty: ensuring that your most valuable information: such as customer records, IP, and financials, remains under your legal, operational, and strategic control.   It’s like making sure the keys to your digital home stay in your hands.   AI thrives on data. It feeds algorithms, shapes outcomes, and influences real-world actions. But when that data is stored in environments governed by external jurisdictions, you risk losing visibility, agility, and trust.   The goal isn’t to avoid the cloud, but to use it with sovereignty in mind.   In our daily work, we support CIOs and organizations in building infrastructure and data strategies that are local, trusted, and aligned with company’s values and regulations.   🔐 Data sovereignty means knowing who's at the door and who holds the key.   That’s how CIOs can secure the foundation and give leadership the clarity and control needed to make data - and AI-driven decisions, securely.   #DataSovereignty #AI #Leadership #iwork4dell

In today’s interconnected world, data sovereignty is more than a technical concept—it’s a fundamental right. Data created on our journey to better should be my data, in my control, secured for my use, and shared according to my permission. The recent recognition of tribal data sovereignty in Colorado sets a powerful precedent, showing how communities can reclaim control over their information to drive equity, empowerment, and trust (see article link in comments). At The Human Flourishing Collaborative (HFC), we believe data sovereignty is essential for both nations and individuals. As a founding member of HFC, Fluid Medical leads this charge through innovative platforms like Wave and Wind, ensuring this vision becomes a reality. Why Data Sovereignty Matters 🔹 My Data, My Control: Individuals and communities must have authority over how their data is stored, accessed, and shared. 🔹 Equity and Empowerment: Tribal nations and underserved groups gain access to resources while preserving cultural identity. 🔹 Security: Protecting sensitive health and cultural data ensures trust and resilience in the face of global challenges. As a critical member of HFC, Fluid Medical’s platforms are transforming data sovereignty into actionable solutions: 🔹 Wave empowers individuals to manage their health data securely, enabling informed Care of Health wherever they are. Your data, with you and for you, at all times. 🔹 Wind gives Indigenous communities full control over their cultural knowledge—preserving histories while fostering growth. Your culture, with you and for you, for this generation and for future generations. The time to act is now and we are acting. Governments, healthcare leaders, and organizations must prioritize systems that uphold sovereignty for all. At HFC, we envision a future where every individual and community flourishes through secure access to their data. Let’s make “My Data” truly mean My Control. We can build a world where innovation respects identity, and trust drives progress. Today, your data is an asset that fuels the profits of other organizations. In the future, your data will fuel your understanding, your unique culture, your economic gain, and your journey to flourishing. Count it. Beyond Better. Extraordinarily Different. Simplifying Health. #Flourishing #Innovation #Vision #Change _______________ I build ecosystems for human flourishing and am a global advisor to founders, boards, organizations, and institutions pursuing human flourishing. I am also a writer (Toward Human Flourishing/2025) and speaker (various). Reach out to explore engagement or collaborative opportunities.

🔐 “Where exactly is our data – and who has access to it?” That’s a question I hear more and more when speaking with business and tech leaders. As companies move deeper into AI, embrace cloud-first strategies, and operate globally, a quiet but serious concern is growing: Are we gradually losing control over our most valuable digital asset – our data? This isn’t just a compliance question. It’s a sovereignty question. Where is our data stored? Who controls it? Under which law? The risk is real – but reacting out of fear won’t help. Instead of tightening controls blindly or chasing every new regulation, organizations should start by asking the right questions: - What types of data are we managing? - Where is it processed – and under what jurisdiction? - Who has access, and how is it tracked? - What would a leak, legal request, or movement mean for our business? At #PCG, we guide our customers through this journey every day – from cloud-native architectures to AI governance and compliant multi-cloud strategies. The answer is never just “lock it all down.” It’s to analyze, classify, and act based on risk – not fear. As Thomas Schmidt, my go-to expert on cybersecurity, governance, and compliance at PCG, often puts it: “Sovereignty starts with understanding your data - not fearing it.” The good news? The legal and technical landscape is catching up: - The EU Data Act, GDPR, and GAIA‑X offer solid regulatory grounding. - Hyperscalers are rolling out EU-only cloud regions with local staffing and key control. - Countries like Germany are driving sovereign AI and public cloud initiatives. - And with AI adoption booming, expectations around trust, security, and accountability are rising fast. Data sovereignty is not a blocker. It’s the platform for responsible, future-ready digital growth. The most important step? Start smart. ✅ Identify what data really matters. ✅ Understand where it lives and who governs it. ✅ Align architecture and policy with real risk – not abstract fear. This isn’t about locking doors. It’s about knowing which doors are open – and who holds the keys. Think first. Then act. What’s your approach to data sovereignty - and where do you see the biggest challenges ahead? #DataSovereignty #Data #AI #PublicCloudGroup #wearePCG