Google encrypts cloud data to calm PRISM fears

PanARMENIAN.Net - Google has added automatic encryption to its non-consumer Cloud Storage service in response to the public outcry over the Obama administration's PRISM surveillance programme, Digital Spy said.

Although Google Cloud Storage is used only by companies including Ubisoft, Rovio, Best Buy, these firms use the service to host customer data.

The web giant has amped up security on the platform with the introduction of the 128-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), the same level of protection Google applies to its own data.

The company was also quick to point out that it will only hand user data to the government under the terms of the law.

"We provide user data to governments only in accordance with the law. Our legal team reviews each and every request, and we frequently push back when the requests appear to be fishing expeditions or don't follow the correct process," the firm told The Verge.

"When we are required to comply with these requests, we deliver it to the authorities. No government has the ability to pull data directly from our servers or network."

Google Cloud Storage customers are not required to undergo any setup or configuration to take advantage of the new feature.