Data sovereignty has become a major concern for companies adopting generative AI. This guide helps you navigate between innovation and protection.
The Data Sovereignty Challenge
When you use tools like ChatGPT or Claude directly, your data passes through servers often located outside Europe. For a company subject to GDPR or handling sensitive data, this raises several issues:
- Data location: where is your information stored?
- Data access: who can access it?
- Data usage: is it used to train models?
Different Levels of Sovereignty
Level 1: Public Cloud with Contractual Guarantees
This is the basic level. You use cloud services with DPAs (Data Processing Agreements) that govern the use of your data.
Advantages: Easy to implement, reduced cost Limitations: Dependence on foreign providers, legal risks
Level 2: European Cloud
Data remains on servers located in Europe, operated by European companies.
Advantages: Easier GDPR compliance, legal sovereignty Limitations: Fewer model choices, potentially higher costs
Level 3: Private Cloud or On-premise
AI runs on your own infrastructure or a dedicated private cloud.
Advantages: Total control, maximum confidentiality Limitations: Infrastructure costs, technical complexity
How Sp0ton Addresses These Challenges
Sp0ton offers sovereignty à la carte that adapts to each company's needs:
- Secure cloud mode: data processed in Europe, GDPR compliance
- Hybrid mode: sensitive data on-premise, rest in cloud
- On-premise mode: everything stays on your servers
CIO Checklist
Before adopting an AI solution, verify:
- Server location (EU/US/Other)
- Data retention policy
- Data usage for training
- Security certifications (ISO 27001, SOC 2)
- SecNumCloud / HDS compatibility if needed
- On-premise deployment options
Conclusion
Data sovereignty is not incompatible with AI adoption. With the right solutions and a clear strategy, you can benefit from generative AI power while maintaining total control over your sensitive information.
Need guidance on your AI sovereignty strategy? Let's talk.