Vviewpoints
DOI: 10.1145/1866739.1866751
Viewpoint
Cloud Computing Privacy
Concerns on our Doorstep

CLoUD ComPUtING meaNS en- trusting data to information systems that are managed by external parties on re- mote servers “in the cloud.” Webmail and online documents (such as Google Docs) are well-known examples. Cloud computing raises privacy and confidentiality concerns because the service provider necessarily has access to all the data, and could accidentally or deliberately disclose it or use it for unauthorized purposes.

Conference management systems based on cloud computing represent an example of these problems within the academic research community. It is an interesting example, because it is small and specific, making it easier to explore the exact nature of the privacy problem and to think about solutions. This column describes the problem, highlights some of the possible undesirable consequences, and points out directions for addressing it.

conference management systems

Most academic conferences are managed using software that allows the program committee (PC) members to browse papers and contribute reviews and discussion via the Web. In one arrangement, the conference chair downloads and hosts the appropriate server software, say HotCRP or iChair. The benefits of using such software are familiar:

˲ ˲ Distribution of papers to PC mem-
bers is automated, and can take into
account their preferences and conflicts
of interest;