GitHub Enterprise Cloud customers can store their data within the EU from 29 October 2024. This new feature, known as “data residency”, aims to meet enterprise customers’ needs and take the EU’s strict data protection laws into account.

Important findings

  • Introduction of data residency: From 29 October 2024, GitHub Enterprise customers will be able to store their data in the EU.
  • Future expansion: After the EU, Australia, Asia and Latin America should follow.
  • Security Promise: GitHub uses Microsoft’s Azure data centers to ensure data security.

Introduction of Data Residency

The introduction of the data residency is a significant step for GitHub to meet the needs of its enterprise customers. The decision to offer this feature initially in the EU is due to the strict privacy laws that apply in the region, including the GDPR, the Digital Markets Act and the AI Act.

Customer Requests and First Users

For now, data residency can only be requested through a customer account representative at GitHub or Microsoft. Among the first customers to benefit from this new feature are well-known companies such as Zeiss and Volkswagen’s software division Cariad.

Use of Copilot

It is important to note that the location of the enterprise repositories does not affect the use of GitHub’s AI tool Copilot. GitHub has clarified that requests for Copilot are processed by the nearest data center. However, if a team member works closer to a data center outside the EU, the requests will be processed there.

Security and Microsoft Azure

The data residency is supported by Microsoft data centers. Despite recent security incidents involving hackers accessing Azure cloud services, Microsoft has launched the Secure Future Initiative to improve cyber security. GitHub works closely with Microsoft to ensure that the security requirements of customers and governments are met.

Conclusion

The introduction of data residency by GitHub is a significant step towards data protection and security for European companies. With the ability to store data locally, customers can ensure that they comply with the strict legal requirements of the EU. The future expansion into other regions demonstrates GitHub’s commitment to serving the global market while addressing its customers’ privacy concerns.

Sources

  • Data Residency: GitHub introduces local data storage in the EU, heise online.