Data Sovereignty: Control Over Access, Not Just Location

• •Data sovereignty is about control over access, not just geographic location.
• •Only 47% of sensitive cloud data is encrypted, indicating governance gaps.
• •Organizations risk 'sovereignty washing' by confusing data residency with true sovereignty.

The articles discuss the concept of data sovereignty, emphasizing that true sovereignty involves control over data access rather than merely its geographical location. Organizations are increasingly investing in local data centers to comply with residency requirements, but many fail to address the underlying control issues. The US CLOUD Act exemplifies how data stored in compliant locations can still be subject to foreign jurisdiction, undermining sovereignty. Reports indicate that only 47% of sensitive cloud data is encrypted, highlighting a significant gap in data governance. As geopolitical tensions rise, the need for robust data sovereignty strategies becomes more, with many organizations falling prey to 'sovereignty washing'—offering mere data residency solutions without adequate controls. The articles urge organizations to reassess their data governance frameworks to ensure they meet both residency and sovereignty requirements effectively.