Fastmail Introduces EU Data Region Option
Your emails can now be stored on secure servers in Amsterdam.
1Fastmail's New European Data Center
Fastmail has opened a new data center in Amsterdam in response to user preferences about data storage. This facility was set up by the company's engineers and meets the same high standards as existing infrastructure in Philadelphia and St. Louis. Users can now choose to have their data stored in the European Union instead of the US.
2Data Security and Location Choice
Fastmail emphasizes that all data is stored encrypted in locked racks and that they don't use services from major cloud providers. Users can select their data storage region to determine the physical location of their primary copy. This choice affects where data is stored, not how well it's protected.
3Automatic Migration for European Users
Fastmail automatically transferred users with billing addresses in or near Europe to the EU data region. Their data was pre-transferred to Amsterdam as encrypted copies. Users can switch back to the US region at any time.
4Region Switching Process
New users are assigned to the US region by default. Region changes can be made under Settings > Users Sharing > Team Settings. Transfers from the US to EU take longer as all data needs to be synchronized across the ocean.
5Data Replication and Backup
Fastmail stores at least two copies of each user's email in the primary location and one more in a geographically separate location. This system has ensured privacy and reliability for 25 years. The new EU center is now part of this replication strategy.
6Transparency and User Control
Unlike other providers, Fastmail offers full transparency about where data is stored. Users can clearly see data flows and storage policies. The company also shared its decision not to charge extra for choosing the EU region.
7Limitations and Future Plans
Fastmail doesn't guarantee that data will remain exclusively in the EU. Users should be aware that reasonable limits may be placed on region switching frequency. The company stated this investment is a significant step and they may consider adding new locations in the future.
8The Importance of Data Localization
Fastmail's move reflects growing demands for data sovereignty and compliance with local regulations. It provides an important option for European users and businesses seeking GDPR compliance. This development signals a growing trend toward data localization in cloud services.
Original article: Hacker News — Fastmail Avrupa Veri Bölgesi Sunuyor