Greenpeace Calls for Ethical Standards from Cloud Providers

On June 2, 2026, Greenpeace launched a campaign urging major cloud providers to adhere to ethical and ecological guidelines. The environmental organization emphasizes that the responsibility for data handling lies not only with users but also with providers. This demand comes at a time when the use of cloud services is rapidly increasing worldwide. The organization highlights that many cloud providers are not sufficiently transparent about their practices.

Greenpeace calls for a clear disclosure of data processing processes and the ecological impacts of data centers. This transparency is intended to enable users to make informed decisions about the use of cloud services. A central point of the campaign is the reduction of the carbon footprint of cloud services. Greenpeace urges providers to set concrete targets for reducing their emissions and to communicate these publicly. According to a Greenpeace study from 2025, data centers worldwide account for about 2% of global CO2 emissions.

The organization has also made specific proposals on how cloud providers can improve their practices. This includes the use of renewable energy to power data centers. Greenpeace points to examples of companies that have successfully transitioned to green energy, significantly lowering their emissions as a result. Another aspect of the demands concerns data protection. Greenpeace insists that cloud providers implement strict policies for handling user data.

This includes protection against unauthorized access and compliance with international data protection standards. The organization emphasizes that users have a right to security and privacy. The response of cloud providers to Greenpeace's demands remains to be seen. Some companies have already initiated efforts to improve their ecological footprint, while others are still lagging behind. Greenpeace plans to regularly monitor the providers' progress and report publicly.

The Greenpeace campaign is part of a larger trend where consumers increasingly value sustainability and ethical practices. Surveys show that 73% of consumers are willing to pay more for environmentally friendly products and services. This could exert pressure on cloud providers to rethink their practices. Greenpeace has also announced plans to develop a platform that allows users to compare the ecological and ethical standards of cloud providers. This platform aims to create transparency and help users make informed decisions.

The launch of the platform is scheduled for the third quarter of 2026. The organization calls for support from governments and regulatory authorities to promote compliance with ethical standards in the cloud industry. Greenpeace sees this as a necessity to make digital infrastructure sustainable. The initiative could also help establish legal frameworks for the industry.

Greenpeace will accompany the campaign with various actions and events to raise awareness of the issue. The organization plans to hold several public events in the coming months to stimulate discussion about ethical standards in the cloud industry. "A mind shift is needed," said a Greenpeace spokesperson. "Cloud providers must take responsibility and commit to a sustainable future."