How the NSA leaks could affect the US cloud computing industry

A recent report from the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation estimates that the United States’ multibillion-dollar US cloud computing industry stands to lose anywhere from $22 to $35 billion over the next three years because of the National Security Agency revelations.

“If European cloud customers cannot trust the United States government, then maybe they won’t trust US cloud providers either,” said European Commissioner for Digital Affairs Neelie Kroes in an interview with the Guardian in July. “If I am right, there are multibillion-euro consequences for American companies. If I were an American cloud provider, I would be quite frustrated with my government right now." Industry shifts since the NSA leaks in early June support Mr. Kroes’ argument.