Where Cloud Is Ground: Placing Data and Making Place in Iceland

Where Cloud Is Ground explores the relationship between data and place, based on an ethnography of the international data storage industry in Iceland. It challenges techno-utopian ideals of connectivity and offers insight into the implications of living with our data in a place where it is increasingly prevalent.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 228 pages
Publication date: 20 December 2023
Publisher: University of California Press

Where Cloud Is Ground offers an in-depth ethnography of the global data storage industry, delving into the intricate interplay between data and its physical surroundings. Situated in Iceland, a rapidly emerging hub for data centers, the book meticulously traces the complex process of locating data material manifestations in conjunction with landforms, earth processes, local politics, national narratives, and ongoing debates surrounding spatial justice and sovereignty. By doing so, it challenges prevailing techno-utopian notions of connectivity and provides a revealing glimpse into the realities of living alongside our ever-growing data presence.

The book's exploration of the data storage industry takes readers on a journey across diverse geographies, from the bustling data centers of Silicon Valley to the remote landscapes of Iceland. Through vivid anecdotes and detailed observations, it sheds light on the diverse stakeholders involved in the industry, including technology companies, government agencies, and local communities. The author highlights the economic and environmental implications of data storage, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices and responsible management of data resources.

One of the book's key themes is the relationship between data and place. The author argues that data is not merely a neutral container of information but is deeply intertwined with the physical world and its processes. Data centers, for example, are not just physical structures but are also embedded within specific landforms and ecosystems, shaping the landscape and impacting local communities. The book explores the ethical and social considerations that arise from this relationship, such as the potential for data breaches, surveillance, and the loss of privacy.

Another important aspect of the book is its examination of the power dynamics at play in the data storage industry. The author highlights the concentration of power among a few major technology companies, which control vast amounts of data and wield significant influence over global infrastructure. This concentration of power raises concerns about the potential for abuse, surveillance, and the erosion of democratic values. The book calls for greater transparency, accountability, and democratic control over data management and governance.

In conclusion, Where Cloud Is Ground offers a thought-provoking and comprehensive exploration of the complex relationship between data and place. Through its ethnographic approach, the book provides a valuable insight into the industry, its stakeholders, and the ethical and social implications of data storage. It challenges techno-utopian ideals of connectivity and offers a roadmap for a more responsible and democratic management of our digital footprint.

Weight: 318g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520396364