Running Head: CLOUD COMPUTING AND ETHICS
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Cloud Computing and Ethics
Alexandra Leaden
National University
May 18, 2013
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It is in the article The Ethics of Cloud Computing A Conceptual Review where Job
Timmermans of the Netherlands introduces the concept of cloud computing being of an ethical
or unethical nature. As expected, the words “Cloud Computing” are considered what man calls
“buzz words.” Also as expected, Cloud Computing has gained popularity as a private and
commercial part of the computing industry. Not only is it popular, it is extremely fast growing,
and is predicted to take over most facets of the industry very soon.
Unfortunately it is all too easy to see that privacy will be one of the main issues in the realm of
cloud computing. Any type of privacy breach is a clear violation of ethical computing. The most
common way privacy can be breached is when a user stores data on the “cloud.” When this
storage takes place, trouble in terms of access rises. “Similar issues can occur with regards to
intellectual property which can become dispersed among different jurisdictions leading to all
sorts of legal and ethical questions” (Timmermans). That being said, Timmermans is correct,
cloud computing does in fact need a deeper look. Timmermans continues his article by asking
the following questions, “Are there pervasive ethical issues in cloud computing or are they all
context relative? How can we know which issues count as ethical and how are they to be
evaluated?” (Timmerman). Unfortunately it seems that there is no clear answer to these
questions at this present time.
Timmerman goes on to define cloud computing as well as describe its history. “We do not yet
know what it will be used for in the future and which social, ethical, or legal consequences these
uses will have. At the same time it is advisable not to wait until unexpected and undesirable
effects happen. Early recognition of ethical and related issues can save time and money to be
spent later in overcoming them. It can support user acceptance and promote beneficial aspects of
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the technology” (Timmerman).
From the user standpoint, data can be accessed from anywhere. Meaning, the user can log into
virtually any computer and access any and all documents stored on the “cloud.” Others view this
technology as a way to send data over the internet. In effect something we have been doing for a
while. The levels of hype around cloud computing in the IT industry are deafening, with every
vendor expounding its cloud strategy and variations, such as private cloud computing and
hybrid approaches, compounding the hype” (Timmerman). Cloud technologies that we are more
aware of include that of Gmail, Google Docs, Twitter, and Facebook.
Timmerman then defines ethics as well as describes his stance on ethical or rather unethical
facets of cloud computing. He makes sure to relate to the audience that his take on this topics
ethic analysis is descriptive in that it does not coincide with the his own personal ethics.
“…which would have required them to offer a philosophical foundation and justification and
then to apply some ethical principle or theory to cloud computing.” (Timmerman).
Timmerman’s main argument revolve around these three points:
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The shifting of control from technology users to the third parties servicing the cloud due
to outsourcing and off shoring of ICT functionality to the cloud.

The storage of data in multiple physical locations across many servers around the world
possibly owned and administrated by many different organizations.

The interconnection of multiple services across the cloud. At different levels
functionality of different providers is connected to provide a specific service to an enduser.
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The textbook discusses concepts of accountability, so also does the article. I would like to
expand upon that concept here. Proper management of data is key. The article talked about an
“accountable cloud.” This is a type of cloud where the user can consistently check up on the
“small print” of the cloud and to confirm cloud “accountability.” Key elements of this
accountability consist of adequate information as well as how the information is to be handled.
“Together with recorded evidence, these elements could be used to decide who is responsible
whenever a problem occurs or dispute arises.” (Timmermans).
All in all, one can see that how cloud computing is set up and agreed upon as far as customer
involvement is key to any ethical arguments.
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References
Laudon, K. & Laudon, J. (2012). Management information systems : managing the digital firm.
Boston: Prentice Hall.
Timmermans,J. (2010). Ethics of Cloud Computing (CloudCom), 2010 IEEE Second
International Conference. https://www.dora.dmu.ac.uk/xmlui/bitstream/handle/
2086/5131/2010%20ethics%20of%20cloud%20computing%20IEEE.pdf?sequence=1