Cloud Computing Policy Of India

Cloud computing is the buzz word in India these days. However, the crucial question is whether cloud computing is a viable option in India? Cloud computing is based upon essentials like privacy protection, data protection and data security. India has none.

There is no cyber security in India and even cyber security policy of India is missing. There is no privacy law in India. There is no data protection law in India. And there is no data security law in and cyber security law in India. In short, there is no legal framework for cloud computing in India at all. With these negative developments India should not use software as a service (SaaS) and cloud computing for crucial governmental services.

In fact, cloud computing in India is a new landmine for privacy in India. For instance, in order to safeguard its commercial interests in India, Research in Motion’s (RIM) Blackberry has established a framework that would allow Indian intelligence agencies to monitor contents on its messenger service. Interestingly, this e-surveillance arrangement is cloud computing based and this shows how vulnerable cloud based systems can be for violating civil liberties.

India is not ready for cloud computing and in order to effectively use the benefits of cloud computing and saas we must have a cloud computing policy of India. This cloud computing policy must clearly incorporate essential civil liberties safeguards, lawful interception law related principles, e-surveillance policy of India, cyber security policy of India and other similar policies.

Presently, India is giving too much importance to commercial interests and e-surveillance activities and this may hamper the growth of cloud computing in India. It is high time to formulate effective cloud computing policy of India.