The role of Data Protection for privacy. International initiatives and instruments. How to achieve global convergence?

The Cloud - specifically, the technical innovations and societal changes necessary to ensure the provision of trusted services in the Cloud. What models or instruments do individuals require to assert control of their sensitive personal data in these services? Innovative solutions to Cloud security against the backdrop of regulatory and value-oriented concerns are in course of rapid development. The U.K. principles concerning identity assurance may be seen as an instrumental model, covering technical, personal and regulatory dimensions. Another approach emphasized user control of personal data by means of a 'life management platform' that, by reacting both to market forces and legislation, puts privacy at the center. The core challenge of privacy remains: how to balance the need for free and open information flow with adequate and flexible protection of personal data?