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privatim, the association of Swiss data protection commissioners, has achieved a major breakthrough in the implementation of the data protection regulations for standard products in the field of cloud computing: Microsoft will adjust its agreement terms for educational institutions.
Zurich, 19 March 2014-Last year, privatim defined the framework conditions for the use of cloud computing in schools (see information sheet Cloud computing in schools at www.privatim.ch). Numerous schools are considering the use of cloud services that are offered as standard products. However, only few of these fulfil the requirements under data protection law.
Microsoft has been convinced to amend its agreement terms so as to render the use of Office 365 in schools permissible. For this purpose, a special contractual supplement has been elaborated for the field of education in Switzerland in order to ensure use in compliance with data protection regulations.
In this way, it is possible to ensure a clear definition of responsibilities, determination of the location of the data processing in Europe, control possibilities, applicability of Swiss law and jurisdiction of Swiss courts.
privatim is pleased that Microsoft has followed up on the request to adjust its agreement terms to Swiss data protection requirements. Likewise, this shows other providers that it is possible also for standard cloud products to fulfil data protection requirements.
privatim recommends the respective school institutions to conclude this contractual supplement for the use of Office 365 and to use other standard products only if these comply with the requirements of data protection law.
We are very pleased that we achieved an agreement with privatim. With that we are the first international cloud vendor which is fully compliant with the Swiss data protection requirements of the education sector. We are convinced that this is also a positive development for schools and universities, since we offer our Office 365 services and Student advantage for free for students. This does not only support students during their formation but also prepares them in an optimal way for the working life.
