What is a potential risk of using cloud storage for digital archives?

The potential risk of using cloud storage for digital archives lies in the dependency on third-party providers, which can lead to a loss of control over data. When organizations opt for cloud storage, they entrust their data to a service provider, meaning they are subject to the provider's terms of service, security measures, and operational policies. This dependency raises concerns regarding data availability, security breaches, potential changes in service terms, and even the possibility of the provider going out of business or discontinuing services. The organization may find itself unable to retrieve its data or to ensure its long-term preservation under its own management, which complicates compliance with legal and institutional accountability requirements. Therefore, while cloud storage provides convenience and scalability, the trade-off includes the risk of losing direct oversight and control of important archival materials.