Problems for UK publisher using a US web host

busman3000 · 18th July 2008

Hi.
I'd like to ask whether anybody knows of any problems that a UK publisher can face when using a US web host?
Thanks.

pipeten · 18th July 2008

distance from the audience matters both in search engine geolocation and network performance and obviously the content whilst stored with a US host comes under US law.

burble · 18th July 2008

Legally, data protection act forbids export of personal data iirc, unless you apply for the appropriate whatever. Look into it.

Then you have latency issues, potentially search engine issues, working hours issues etc.

General rule of thumb is this: if your target audience is mostly in the UK, find a UK host. The good ones are more expensive, but worth it.

busman3000 · 21st July 2008

JSamuel · 21st July 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by burble

Legally, data protection act forbids export of personal data iirc, unless you apply for the appropriate whatever. Look into it.

Then you have latency issues, potentially search engine issues, working hours issues etc.

General rule of thumb is this: if your target audience is mostly in the UK, find a UK host. The good ones are more expensive, but worth it.

Define expensive?

Everything costs money, and unlimited hard drives aren't around yet (although some 14 year olds would beg to differ)

I'd say stick with a UK-based network/host. I don't know alot (if anything) about search engines, but I would assume it helps rankings and indexings.

PeteK · 21st July 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSamuel

I'd say stick with a UK-based network/host. I don't know alot (if anything) about search engines, but I would assume it helps rankings and indexings.

UK registered IP is definately better for .co.uk Google indeed, but a lot can be done with site optimisation for market too.

Paul-UKWSD · 23rd July 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by burble

Legally, data protection act forbids export of personal data iirc, unless you apply for the appropriate whatever. Look into it.

Then you have latency issues, potentially search engine issues, working hours issues etc.

General rule of thumb is this: if your target audience is mostly in the UK, find a UK host. The good ones are more expensive, but worth it.

As long as the US host/DC is part of the Safe Harbor it's ok:
http://www.export.gov/safeHarbor/

As for speed and search engine rankings, if you're target market is the UK then I would recommend using a UK web host.

markcastle · 23rd July 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul-UKWSD

As long as the US host/DC is part of the Safe Harbor it's ok:
http://www.export.gov/safeHarbor/

Thats at odds with the legal advice we've had recently.

jamster · 31st July 2008

If you transfer data outside of the EEA for processing it must be subject to adequate protection both practically and legally.

Safeharbor helps with the legal side - US companies who are registered can be deemed to have sufficient control in place. Otherwise, if they are not Safeharbor registered, you have to make a judgement call which is trickier (consult a lawyer).

Practically you will also need to make sure your contract with the data processor is sufficient to protect the data. You should also be confident that your hosting company will actually do the things that they promise to (e.g. keep the servers secure, only give passwords to those who absolutely need them at any specific time etc.) You will need to have protection in place which complies with the principles of the Data Protection Act.

Mark - if the advice you were given differs please feel free to PM me and I can suggest a few further questions to ask your solicitor. Data Protection is a dense subject and it is very likely that your advice is correct and based on a more complex scenario than set out above. For my sins I am a lawyer, but cannot advise on a forum (for insurance reasons) so please do not rely on this post without taking independent legal advice.

markcastle · 31st July 2008

The advice we had was based upon a UK hosting company which is hosting personal email accounts of UK citizens outside of the EU. The advice stated that one would need to get written permission from each and every person involved in order to be able to do it.

[inx]Olly · 31st July 2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSamuel

Define expensive?

Everything costs money, and unlimited hard drives aren't around yet (although some 14 year olds would beg to differ)

I'd say stick with a UK-based network/host. I don't know alot (if anything) about search engines, but I would assume it helps rankings and indexings.

Yes it does.

.com domain hosted in uk gets you best of both worlds.