Google is boosting its data protection controls for European Workspace users. Credit: MixMagic / Getty Images Google Cloud has announced a new set of Sovereign Controls for users of its Workspace productivity software, aimed at allowing organizations in both the public and private sector to better control, limit, and monitor data transfers to and from the European Union. The changes look to have come in response to a range of recent European Union efforts to better protect the personal data of members when using cloud services, following the collapse of Privacy Shield. With these coming changes, Workspace users will be provided with an expanded range of access controls, as well as the ability to generate comprehensive log reports on data access and actions. European customers will also be able to enforce stronger client-side encryption, which was first offered to Workspace users last June. Client-side encryption is now generally available for Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Slides, with plans to extend the functionality to Gmail, Google Calendar, and Meet by the end of 2022. Workspace users will also be able to restrict or approve Google support access through Access Approvals and limit customer support to EU-based support staff through Access Management. Google is also providing ongoing support from Google Engineering staff with remote-in virtual desktop infrastructure. Data regions, which allow customers to control the storage location of their data at-rest, will also be available by the end of 2023. This will give customers coverage of both data storage and processing in-region, along with an in-country copy. “We often hear from European Union policymakers and business leaders that ensuring the sovereignty of their cloud data, through regionalization and additional controls over administrative access, is crucial in this evolving landscape,” Javier Soltero, vice president and general manager for Google Workspace, wrote in a blog post outlining the changes. “Digital sovereignty is core to our ongoing mission in Europe and elsewhere, and a guiding principle that customers can rely on now and into the future.” Sovereign Controls will start rolling out at the end of 2022, with additional capabilities such as data location controls, slated for 2023. Related content news Businesses lack AI strategy despite employee interest — Microsoft survey Microsoft’s fourth annual Work Trend Index survey shows that workers are coming to grips with generative AI tools, but leaders aren’t convinced they have a proper deployment strategy in place. By Matthew Finnegan May 08, 2024 6 mins Microsoft Generative AI IT Skills news analysis Apple Silicon sets scene for a new AI ecosystem With its new iPads, Apple presses home the message that Apple Silicon is built for AI. By Jonny Evans May 08, 2024 12 mins Apple Generative AI iPad news The CHIPS Act money: A timeline of grants to chipmakers The Department of Commerce is divvying up $52 billion in the hopes of spurring on-shore chip manufacturing in the US. Here's what's been allocated and where the money is going. By Lucas Mearian May 08, 2024 5 mins CPUs and Processors Government Manufacturing Industry reviews Arc browser for Windows — better than Chrome? This might just be the best web browser for power users. But you’ll have to rewire your brain. By Chris Hoffman May 08, 2024 13 mins Windows Browsers Productivity Software Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe