In cloud cuckoo land? MPs' secret files to be stored abroad despite spying fears

MP's concerned about how to maintain security on 'cloud' system

Worried: Lib Dem MP Julian Huppert fears for his computer security on the 'cloud'

The confidential emails, files and parliamentary diaries of all MPs and peers are to be stored on foreign computers despite fears that they could be hacked into or spied upon.

The first politicians are already being moved on to the ‘cloud’ scheme, in which their files will be saved to overseas servers and accessed via the internet.

By the next Election, all MPs and peers will have to use the system to store correspondence, as well as documents including those on new laws or national security.



Westminster officials insist the risks are small and that the biggest danger is from MPs not following procedures.

But many politicians are concerned about the move – which is designed to save money – after claims by whistleblower Edward Snowden that technology firms allow the US security services to snoop on private messages.

Liberal Democrat MP Dr Julian Huppert, who sits on the Home Affairs Select Committee, said: ‘I think there are huge concerns about how you maintain the security of information like this.

‘There are very real risks with a cloud system if it crosses international boundaries.’

Currently, all MPs and peers have their emails and electronic documents stored on huge servers in London.



But in January this year the management boards of both Houses agreed to start using Microsoft’s Office 365 package.

This means politicians can easily access their emails and files online, but the data will be stored in Amsterdam and Ireland.

Hack attack: MPs fear their files will not be safe in a cloud scheme using overseas servers

Microsoft has admitted it hands over data if requested to do so by intelligence agencies, but denies allowing them ‘direct access’ to servers.

A Westminster spokesman said the cloud scheme would offer ‘secure mobile access’ and confirmed that one MP had data uploaded on Wednesday.