Data processing (processing location)
Data processing, data processing, processing location
Where your inputs are actually processed. Inference can run in data centres almost anywhere in the world, mostly in the US or China depending on the model provider. For sensitive data, the exact location matters.
💭 Imagine …
Like confidential files: knowing which law firm handles them isn't enough. You want to know in which country they're read, copied and stored.
🔎 Example
A tool with a European front end may call a model in US data centres behind the scenes. A Chinese model provider's app often processes inputs on servers in China.
🎯 Why it matters
For personal or confidential customer data you need a binding commitment from the vendor on the processing location (e.g. EU data centres or Microsoft's EU Data Boundary), a data processing agreement (DPA) and a GDPR legal basis. No commitment, no sensitive data.
🎓 Prefer step by step?
The AI Literacy course: 6 short modules with quizzes, a solid foundation in about 60 minutes.