Algeria: Regulatory Authority of Post and Electronic Communications issued Order Regulating Cloud Computing Services

On 29 November 2017, the Regulatory Authority of Post and Electronic Communications issued an order on the specifications defining the conditions and modalities for the establishment and operation of hosting and storage services for digital content for remote users within the framework of cloud computing services. The order regulates the provision of cloud computing services, specifically targeting Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS) within the country. The policy mandates that the infrastructure used for these services must be located within Algeria. Service providers must obtain authorisation, which involves submitting documentation about their infrastructure and services. The order also outlines specific obligations for authorised service providers. These include using advanced technology to deliver reliable services, maintaining national infrastructure, ensuring data is stored and hosted domestically, and safeguarding client data. Providers must also ensure service availability, implement data backup solutions, and manage a client identification system. In the event of service cessation, providers are required to return and securely delete client data.