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Starlink, the low-Earth orbit satellite communications provider, does not pose a threat to local data sovereignty in Africa, according to industry expert Andrew Cruise, MD of Routed. However, Cruise does highlight concerns over the security and integrity of data during transit. In an exclusive interview with ITWeb Africa, Cruise emphasized the need for internet service providers (ISPs), wireless internet service providers (WISPs), and satellite communications providers to be regulated by local communications bodies to ensure the secure flow and safe processing of data.

Cruise suggested that data should be encrypted both at rest and in transit to address these concerns. SpaceX, the parent company of Starlink, offers high-bandwidth, high-speed, low-latency internet access to consumers in 45 countries using low-Earth orbit technology. With the expansion of Starlink services across African nations, questions have emerged regarding the complexity of data sovereignty when the communications provider operates outside the country.

Data sovereignty, as defined by Cruise, refers to the ability to maintain legal control and authority of data within a nation’s jurisdictional boundaries. He stressed that privacy and security of data within a nation’s boundaries are crucial for national interest and security. Cruise also pointed out that a nation’s success relies on companies and individuals residing and keeping their data secure within the country, as this is essential for growth and development.

Cruise addressed the issue facing developing countries in Africa that desire data sovereignty without significant investments in infrastructure like data centers. He argued that the discussion should revolve around implementing sovereignty regulations and policies rather than debating their necessity, as many nations already have them. Cruise mentioned that hyperscale cloud providers continue to invest in data centers in South Africa, but Sub-Saharan African countries do not collocate or host their data there due to sovereignty regulations. He believes that this situation will drive the construction of in-country colocation infrastructure (data centers).

In conclusion, Starlink’s expansion into Africa does not threaten data sovereignty but does raise concerns about data security during transit. The regulation of ISPs, WISPs, and satellite communications providers at the local level is crucial to ensure the secure flow and processing of data. Encryption of data both at rest and in transit is a key aspect in addressing these security concerns.

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