Background: The use of cloud computing services raises policy and regulatory challengesglobally, more specifically on data security and privacy, amongst other issues. There is aconcern on whether South African information and communications technology (ICT) policiesand regulatory frameworks are sufficient to address emerging cloud computing regulatorychallenges. Therefore, this necessitates a review to determine the extent to which existingregulatory frameworks are applicable to cloud computing and the challenges thereof.Objectives: The study determines the impact of cloud computing on existing South AfricanICT policies and regulatory frameworks and ascertains whether they are sufficient to addresschallenges regarding the use of cloud computing services.Method: The study followed an interpretivism philosophical stance. A multi-methodqualitative research approach was employed and a thematic analysis was applied in which thedata was collected through interviews, questionnaires and document analysis.Results: The existing policies and regulatory frameworks as applicable to computing areplaying ‘catch-up’ where technology has a footprint. Moreover, some existing policies use ablanket approach and are not specific to the subject matter. As a result, there is a need forpolicies that are future-proof and specific to the subject matter.Conclusion: The emergence of cloud computing has exposed the existing ICT policies andregulatory laws as being inadequate to address cloud computing developments, complexitiesand challenges, especially challenges related to public confidence regarding the use of cloudcomputing services and cloud competitiveness.
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