Implications of Cloud Computing for Consumers

Peter Kell, Deputy Chairman of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) delivered the following presentation at the Global Access Partners Workshop on Cloud Computing on 24 June 2011.

Cloud Computing offers clear benefits and opportunities for consumers. However, it will be important for regulators to facilitate appropriate market conduct to ensure that these benefits are achieved. In this context cloud computing poses some new regulatory challenges for all stakeholders to ensure consumers remain adequately protected. 

The ACCC will be closely watching key areas of interest as Cloud computing becomes more widespread. The ACCC’s aim in consumer protection regulation is to ensure that consumers can benefit from innovation and competition through minimising the impact of market failures, information problems and rogue traders.