Dear Cloud, I Think We Have Trust Issues: Cloud Computing Contracts and Trust

Abstract

Abstract Cloud computing is the dominant paradigm in modern computing, used by billions of Internet users worldwide. It is a market dominated by a small number of hyperscale cloud service providers. The overwhelming majority of cloud customers agree to standard form click-wrap contracts, with no opportunity to negotiate specific terms and conditions. Few cloud customers read the contracts that they agree to. It is clear that contracts in cloud computing are primarily an instrument of control benefiting one side, the cloud service provider. This chapter provides an introduction to the relationship between psychological trust, contracts and contract law. It also offers an overview of the key contract law issues that arise in cloud computing and introduces some emerging paradigms in cloud computing and contracts.