DCD Zero Downtime: The Bi-Weekly Data Center Show Episode 83 - Data sovereignty and cloud competition in the UK, with Mark Boost, Civo
Jul 24, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Mark Boost, CEO of Civo, shares insights from his 25 years in tech, focusing on how Civo is challenging hyperscalers and promoting data sovereignty. He defines digital sovereignty's crucial role in today’s geopolitical landscape, addressing U.S. governance concerns and the impact on smaller cloud providers. The conversation also highlights ongoing challenges such as cloud repatriation and the need for collaboration among smaller players to create a more equitable cloud market. Frustrations with major providers and regulatory investigations are examined.
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Episode notes
Digital Sovereignty Needs Clarity
- Digital sovereignty lacks a clear, universally accepted definition, often used as a marketing term.
- True sovereignty requires transparency and guarantees about data location and legal jurisdiction, beyond mere data residency.
Skepticism About Hyperscaler Sovereignty
- Hyperscalers' sovereign cloud claims lack transparency and likely remain subject to US laws.
- Without clear audits and guarantees, such offerings remain marketing rather than true sovereignty.
Sovereignty vs Residency Explained
- Data residency means storing data in a location without ensuring protection from foreign jurisdiction.
- True data sovereignty guarantees no foreign entity can access or control the data under local laws.