Google Workspace is the first step into the cloud for many small businesses. Low barrier, intuitive, and well integrated. Gmail, Drive, Docs, Meet: it just works. But what does it really cost?
Google’s business model is based on data. Google analyzes what you search for, which files you share, and how you communicate. With Google Workspace for businesses, Google claims not to show ads based on email content, but the data is still stored on American servers and falls under the US CLOUD Act. This means U.S. authorities can compel Google to hand over data, even if that data is physically located in Europe.
For organizations working with sensitive client data, medical records, or legal documents, that’s a serious risk. The GDPR requires demonstrable control over where data goes. That’s difficult when the data controller is a U.S. company with a closed infrastructure.
Nextcloud offers the same functionality, on a server you control,in Europe, outside the reach of U.S. legislation.
