- Nscale claims AWS’s European Sovereign Cloud falls short of offering real sovereignty.
- AWS’s new initiative is seen as a compromise, still controlled by US-based AWS.
What happened: Nscale criticises AWS’s cloud initiative
Nscale, a European AI infrastructure provider, has raised concerns about the newly launched AWS European Sovereign Cloud. AWS introduced the service to address demand for localised cloud solutions in Europe, aiming to comply with regional regulations. However, Nscale argues that the initiative does not deliver true tech sovereignty.
Following the announcement, Nscale published a report based on a Censuswide survey of business leaders in the UK, France, and Norway. The survey shows that nearly half of respondents believe sovereign AI infrastructure will be crucial by 2027. Yet, many remain concerned about non-EU data laws, such as the US PATRIOT Act, which could jeopardise data privacy.
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Why it’s important
Nscale’s CCO, Karl Havard, stressed that sovereignty is not just about data storage. He believes true sovereignty requires full control, operational transparency, and adherence to local regulations. The benefits of AI, he argues, should remain within local economies to foster innovation.
Havard also pointed out that sovereignty is no longer merely a compliance issue; it has become a matter of trust, resilience, and innovation. As geopolitical tensions rise and data privacy concerns grow, European businesses may hesitate to rely on non-EU providers like AWS, which still operate under US jurisdiction.
As AI continues to shape business strategies, the demand for genuinely sovereign infrastructure will grow. European providers must rise to the challenge, ensuring data protection and maintaining a competitive edge.
