With Great (Computing) Power Comes Great (Human Rights) Responsibility: Cloud Computing and Human Rights

Abstract

Cloud computing underlies many of the most powerful and controversial technologies of our day-from large-scale data processing to face recognition systems-yet the human rights impacts of cloud computing have received little scrutiny. This article explains what cloud computing is, how it works, and what some of its most significant human rights impacts are through three case studies. It offers some initial thoughts on the human rights responsibilities of cloud computing providers under the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and concludes by suggesting directions for future research.