Cloud Computing

1. Introduction

1.1 Overview of the Topic

Cloud computing means using internet-based services to store, manage, process, and access data. Instead of saving everything only on a personal computer or office server, users can access their files and applications through the internet.

Examples of cloud computing include:

• Google Drive
• Microsoft OneDrive
• Dropbox
• iCloud
• Cloud-based learning systems
• Online accounting software

In simple words, cloud computing allows users to use storage, software, and computer services online.

1.2 Importance in Today’s Digital Society

Cloud computing is important because it makes work and learning easier. Users can access their files anytime and anywhere using a laptop, tablet, or smartphone.

For students, cloud computing helps in group assignments because members can edit the same document together. For businesses, it supports online work, data backup, customer service, and business continuity.

1.3 Relevance to Ethics and Sustainability

Cloud computing is related to ethics because it involves data privacy, file sharing, security, and user responsibility. Users must protect their own data and respect other people’s files.

It is also related to sustainability because cloud services depend on large data centres. These data centres use electricity and cooling systems. Therefore, cloud computing should be used responsibly to reduce energy waste and environmental impact.

---

2. Main Discussion

2.1 Ethical Issues and Dilemmas

a) Accessibility versus Privacy

Cloud computing allows users to access files easily. However, easy access can become a problem if files are shared with the wrong people or if accounts are hacked.

Example:
A student accidentally sets a group assignment folder to “public,” causing private information to be seen by outsiders.

b) Convenience versus Security

Cloud platforms are convenient because users can save and open files quickly. However, if users use weak passwords or do not enable multi-factor authentication, their accounts may be at risk.

Example:
A business loses important customer data because an employee’s cloud account is hacked.

c) Cost Saving versus Dependency

Organisations may save money by using cloud services instead of buying expensive servers. However, they may become too dependent on third-party cloud providers.

Example:
A company cannot access its files when the cloud service experiences downtime.

---

2.2 Responsible and Sustainable Technology Use

Responsible cloud use means using cloud services safely and ethically. Users should:

• Use strong passwords
• Enable multi-factor authentication
• Set correct file-sharing permissions
• Avoid sharing confidential files carelessly
• Back up important data
• Delete old or unnecessary files
• Respect other people’s documents in shared folders

Sustainable cloud use means reducing digital waste and supporting environmentally responsible practices. Users can:

• Avoid saving too many duplicate files
• Compress large files before uploading
• Delete unused files
• Organise files properly
• Choose cloud providers that support greener data centres

Cloud computing can support sustainability, but users must be aware that data centres still use energy and resources.

---

2.3 Value-Based Education

Cloud computing involves several important values.

Responsibility

Users must take care of their own accounts, passwords, and files.

Confidentiality

Private data should not be shared without permission.

Trust

Group members must trust each other when working in shared folders.

Accountability

Users must be responsible for their actions, especially when editing, deleting, or sharing files.

Care

Users should care about the safety of other people’s information and the environmental impact of technology use.

These values help students and organisations make ethical decisions when using cloud services.

---

3. Conclusion

Cloud computing is useful in education, business, and daily life. It helps users store files, work online, collaborate, and access information easily. However, ethical cloud use requires privacy protection, secure access, responsible sharing, and proper file management.

Users should also be aware that cloud computing has environmental impacts because data centres use energy and cooling systems. Therefore, cloud computing should be used responsibly, ethically, and sustainably.

---

References

Google Cloud. (n.d.). Operating sustainably. Google.

Microsoft. (n.d.). Personal file sharing and cloud storage: Microsoft OneDrive. Microsoft.

National Institute of Standards and Technology. (2011). The NIST definition of cloud computing.

United Nations Environment Programme. (2026). How to make AI data centres more sustainable.