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Can you change the data locations for Basic accounts?

Hello,

Given the increasing focus and concern on data transfers and data storage locations it makes sense the Dropbox should extend the option to choose the storage location on all accounts not just the ones that are paid for. I appreciate that this feature is a way to differentiate accounts between free to paid (and a way to make money) but the rights of the data subject are still crucial. I know Dropbox have all the relevant documentation and standards however that is not the same as having your data in your own country/region.

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Jay

Hi @SLHSB, thanks for messaging the Community.

We appreciate the feedback on this matter. Currently, this option is only available for team plans with these specific requirements, and wouldn't be made available for any other plans.

We take all comments into consideration when improving the Dropbox site and services.

SLHSB

Thank you Jay. Can I ask why it is limited to team plans and not for individuals please? Thank you

Jay

As some businesses require certain security measures and regulations, they might need their data to be located in their region or country.

This is why only Dropbox teams have access to this option. If you are a business that would need this, then you would need to follow the steps in that article to be eligible for this data migration.

SLHSB

Thank you. I understand what you are saying but what about the rights of the general public who use Dropbox? Maybe it is not for regulatory reasons but security and confidence reasons, knowing their data is stored in their own country is important. I can see that Dropbox are doing all they can to mitigate the risks but that that is not the same as providing the user with control of their data location.

DBX_Pedro

Hi @SLHSB,

Thanks for reaching out to us.

Our team is working on a solution, but we don't have a timeline to share right now.

We greatly appreciate your understanding and patience over this period.

Mark

@SLHSB wrote:
Thank you Jay. Can I ask why it is limited to team plans and not for individuals please? Thank you

To be honest its not something I've seen with many solutions on anything but Enterprise plans - and I use a lot of varying solutions and systems due to my work.

It's like the old adage of 'you get what you pay for' - and if you want premium-type security and safety of data (noting that it still wouldn't stop law enforcement, etc., accessing it), then it needs to be paid for.

SLHSB

Thank you Mark.

I would love to see the basic user, which in a number of cases is a student or an vulnerable individual, who wants to have the benefits from using Dropbox be in control of their data in the same ways as business do. I feel this will become more and more of a discussion point and point of contention in the next year or so. But for now, you are right - if you pay more you get more functionality.

Mark

@SLHSB wrote:
But for now, you are right - if you pay more you get more functionality.

Especially when the services cost - storing your data on its own has a cost implication.... without any revenue coming in like places like iCloud do (hardware) or GDrive (adverts).

SLHSB

Could be a great differentiator against competing providers such as Google, Apple and Microsoft

Rich

@SLHSB wrote:
Could be a great differentiator against competing providers such as Google, Apple and Microsoft

As @Mark mentioned, those providers have other sources of revenue to subsidize their storage offerings. Google has their ad business, Microsoft has their software business, and Apple has their hardware business. Those other sources of revenue help offset the expense of running their storage platforms, which are often used just to get people into their ecosystem.

Dropbox has their storage business. If they don't charge for enterprise-level features, like data location, how can they provide those features? If they're not going to charge for it, why bother having business and enterprise level plans in the first place.

Should data location be available to individuals, yes, but I think it should be a paid feature available to those on a Professional or Essentials plan, and not just given for free.

SLHSB

Valid points Rich, maybe the question is why is data storage an enterprise-level feature? Cost is naturally the answer but that does not mean it should be the only consideration.

SLHSB

Hello @DBX_Pedro Has there been any update on the solution you mention about from your team at Dropbox please? Thank you

SLHSB2

@DBX_PedroAny update on this ticket please? Thank you

Mark

This is still only possible on paid accounts at certain levels: https://help.dropbox.com/security/physical-location-data-storage

SLHSB2

Thanks Mark,

Is this topic up for discussion or a possibility for future developments given that Dropbox already has the functionality to offer data residency?