UK businesses are ‘worried’ about data being stored in the US – UKTN

The majority of UK SMEs are concerned about their data being stored in the US amid a rise in data storage scrutiny, according to a new survey.

Research conducted by team.blue and names.co.uk has found that in its survey of UK businesses, 73% were “worried about their data being stored in the US”, due in part to geopolitical shifts and volatile policy direction across the Atlantic.

The research pointed to a growing trend of data scrutiny, having found that most businesses (67%) were unsure as to the precise location of where there data is being stored.

The findings come amid a push for data sovereignty from the British government, which has been looking to rapidly scale the UK’s supply of domestic information storage facilities, as outlined in the AI Opportunities Action Plan.

Progress has been made in funding the construction and operation of new data centres in the UK, however, while these sites will be based domestically, many of them are being funded by major US firms, including Google, Microsoft and CoreWeave.

Critics of the recent deals, including former deputy prime minister Nick Clegg, have warned against giving US businesses too much power over Britain’s infrastructure.

“For UK SMEs, confidence in data sovereignty is becoming a critical business differentiator, shaping not just procurement decisions but also customer trust,” said Kelly Salter, commercial director of names.co.uk.

“Education is vital here: without clear understanding of where their data sits, businesses risk falling behind competitors who can offer greater transparency and even exposing themselves to compliance or reputational setbacks.

“Providers that can combine transparency with guidance and support will stand out as true partners of choice.”