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© The Author(s) 2021
T. Lynn et al. (eds.), Data Privacy and Trust in Cloud Computing,
Palgrave Studies in Digital Business & Enabling Technologies,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-54660-1_2
CHAPTER 2
Dear Cloud, I Think We Have Trust Issues:
Cloud Computing Contracts and Trust
Theo Lynn
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 clickwrap 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.
Keywords Contract law • Terms of service • Cloud computing
• Cloud contracts • Trust
T. Lynn (*)
Irish Institute of Digital Business, DCU Business School, Dublin, Ireland
e-mail: theo.lynn@dcu.ie
© The Author(s) 2021
T. Lynn et al. (eds.), Data Privacy and Trust in Cloud Computing,
Palgrave Studies in Digital Business & Enabling Technologies,
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-54660-1_2
CHAPTER 2
Dear Cloud, I Think We Have Trust Issues:
Cloud Computing Contracts and Trust
Theo Lynn
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 clickwrap 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.
Keywords Contract law • Terms of service • Cloud computing
• Cloud contracts • Trust
T. Lynn (*)
Irish Institute of Digital Business, DCU Business School, Dublin, Ireland
e-mail: theo.lynn@dcu.ie