A study from pCloud, a European file-sharing and cloud storage provider, revealed that 82% of Europeans do not trust U.S. technology firms with their personal files, citing their biggest concerns such as data being used for commercial gains (51%) and the possibility of hacks (43%).
The study, which polled over 4,500 people across the U.K., France, and Germany, stated that 82% admitted they would rather have their data stored in Europe than in the U.S., while 74% said they check the security features offered before choosing a provider. Nearly, 68% of users said they would feel more confident putting files in the cloud if the provider was not able to see what was being stored there. Most of the respondents said they use these services to boost the memory of their personal and work devices (51%), to retain a secure backup of files (43%), and to share information with family, friends, and colleagues (36%).
Tunio Zafer, CEO at pCloud, said, “With families, friends and businesses forced apart by Coronavirus, we have seen a huge uptake in cloud services to connect people at this most challenging of times. This study found that 71% of people will use cloud storage and file sharing solutions more in the post-Covid world. However, it is clear that Europe demands better than ‘big tech’ is offering, having been burned one too many times.”
“While we are seeing significant growth in the cloud market, people are becoming more savvy as a result. Whether it is for business or personal use, the industry as a whole must do more to address security issues, which are clearly having an impact on users who feel increasingly emboldened to challenge providers.” Zafer added.
