Can Cloud Storage Delete Your Data if Overlimit?

Frankensnore on 12/10/2020 - 13:11
Last edited 12/10/2020 - 13:12

Let's say to save money I sign up for 1TB storage with one of the cloud provider. For argument sake, let's say it's Apple iCloud.

I applied the highest storage limit and pay monthly. Then I upload my entire photo and video library to the cloud.

After all space is used. I downgrade the account or stop paying (close the credit card account).

Can Apple or the storage provider then delete my data to reduce the size to the limit?

If not, can I use this method as a cheap way to backup my data long term?

Computing

Comments

  • p1 ama on 12/10/2020 - 13:16
    +16

    Can Apple or the storage provider then delete my data to reduce the size to the limit?

    They can ultimately do what they want really.

    • Forkinhell on 13/10/2020 - 09:23
      -1

      I do not know why anyone would send their valuable data to any cloud storage.

      The moment you do that, you lose all control of your data.
      It can be accessed, deleted, sold to anyone who is willing to pay for it.

      Storage (local) is incredibly cheap (<$100 for 2TB) which can be plugged into your router so it can be accessed by you from anywhere, at any time, and it is far more secure.

      People, wake up to yourselves, stop providing these companies (who have varying degrees of integrity) with private data that makes business out of YOUR data.

      Think about it, and you can keep control.

      MCSE, MCP(IP) - (Retired)

      • mlbrooke on 13/10/2020 - 09:36
        +5

        Until your house burns down or a thief comes and steals all your tech…. or the hard drive fails….. all use cases are very possible. What about recovering your phone data with a phone upgrade? Cloud is definitely worthwhile, no question.

        The best thing anyone can do is have more than one place that their data resides….. one backup is never enough…

        • Forkinhell on 13/10/2020 - 09:49
          -1

          "The best thing anyone can do is have more than one place that their data resides….. one backup is never enough…"

          I couldn't agree more, but I certainly disagree with "Cloud is definitely worthwhile…"

          You definitely need at least two copies of your data, with them stored separately in different, remote places (no, not Cunnamulla!).

          The only time it is worth considering is if you just want to allow someone else to 'look after it', and hope you don't lose it.
          It's convenient, and easy. You just pay them and hope.

          • Leo Getz on 13/10/2020 - 20:34

            @Forkinhell: What's wrong with Cunnamulla?
            Plenty of other country towns you could pick on.

      • pjcook on 13/10/2020 - 14:55
        +1

        Most reputable cloud providers encrypt your data, Apple encrypt it and do not have access to the keys to decrypt it. If you are still not sure then encrypt the data yourself.

  • scrimshaw on 12/10/2020 - 13:17
    +3

    They usually stop synchronizing your data. On dropbox at least, you don't lose any files, you simply lose the ability to upload anything

    But if someone catches onto what you're doing and if they think it breaches Acceptable Use Policy, I'm certain they have the right to just terminate your account. You can wave your data good bye in this case.

    • Frankensnore on 12/10/2020 - 13:19
      -1

      So it is a cheap way to back up data long term then?

      I don't need it to sync. I just need to be able to access them 5-10 years from now.

      • p1 ama on 12/10/2020 - 13:20
        +5

        No

      • Richardc on 12/10/2020 - 13:25

        Get 2 backup drivers, or nas.

        • Chandler on 12/10/2020 - 14:07
          +1

          Get 2 backup drivers, or nas.

          One is none.

      • Chandler on 12/10/2020 - 14:09
        +3

        I just need to be able to access them 5-10 years from now

        Then keep paying for 5-10 years, or invest in your own storage.

        If I send you a car to store on your land, offering to pay you $50/month and then I stop paying you after the first month, are you going to want to keep storing the car for me?

    • Frankensnore on 12/10/2020 - 13:21

      But if someone catches onto what you're doing and if they think it breaches Acceptable Use Policy, I'm certain they have the right to just terminate your account. You can wave your data good bye in this case.

      hmm

  • bazingaa on 12/10/2020 - 13:49
    +11

    I just remembered that show "Storage Wars" on History TV, where the content of unpaid storage lockers get sold out. Imagine the same thing with the cloud accounts lol.

    • djones145 on 12/10/2020 - 14:51
      +1

      "cloud wars"
      you should pitch that idea to channel 10!

    • dust on 12/10/2020 - 15:18

      Nobody would use that cloud service if this happened.

    • ozbjunkie on 13/10/2020 - 09:26

      "I'll take the folder that's 10TB labelled ATO lodgements and receipts, thanks".

    • Frankensnore on 13/10/2020 - 11:29

      It's encrypted right? No one can read it but you.

      • pjcook on 13/10/2020 - 14:57
        +1

        Reputable cloud providers do encrypt your data. The only one I know who does not have the keys are Apple. You can always encrypt the data yourself then you will be the only one who can decrypt it.

  • coxjon on 12/10/2020 - 14:00
    +1

    I think you have 30 days to remove it, something like that

  • Chandler on 12/10/2020 - 14:07
    +3

    Can Apple or the storage provider then delete my data to reduce the size to the limit?

    What do the Terms of Service say?

  • ozbargainsam on 12/10/2020 - 14:24
    +2

    This is like, the best backup plan ever.

    Also, for a service that has hundreds of millions of users, if not billions, I'm sure they've thought about this loophole.

    • Frankensnore on 13/10/2020 - 11:28

      Perhaps they have yes.

      But bare in mind that storage provider and other subscription type of businesses already have that costs spend.

      For example, a gym without members or with 1000 members have the same costs.

      Unless too many people exploit this loophole that costing them too much, they could let it go.

  • hm on 12/10/2020 - 18:15

    Yes

  • lunchbox99 on 12/10/2020 - 18:24
    +1

    If you abandon the account (ie stop paying), the data can be permanently removed after 180 days.

    As documented in these (search for "180"):
    https://support.apple.com/en-au/guide/icloud/mmab848634c8/ic…

    https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/icloud/en/term…

    https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT207428

    Though not sure if you could pay for 1 month every 6 months to keep it alive …?

    • Frankensnore on 13/10/2020 - 11:26

      Thanks that is what I'm looking for.

      But dropbox says they just stop syncing.

  • Blue Cat on 12/10/2020 - 18:41
    +1

    Remember, there is no "cloud", it's just someone else's computer.

    • WreckTangle on 12/10/2020 - 19:14
      +2

      Wait…its not in the sky? Whoa right there dude…

      • MontyMacaw on 13/10/2020 - 12:28
        +1

        So is heaven just in somebody’s computer too???

  • jackinyourbox on 12/10/2020 - 21:24

    Yeah but nah depends.

    My experience so far is that it doesn’t get deleted

    • Frankensnore on 14/10/2020 - 09:35

      Which provider do you have experience with?

  • PeterSnoot on 13/10/2020 - 07:57
    +2

    Seriously, why would you even consider this approach as an option for backing up valuable data (photos)?

    Then again, give it a go and if you do lose your photos, just run around and take them again…

  • Waltervp on 13/10/2020 - 08:58

    Depends on how much you value your photos… a better gamble is getting a cheap 2T drive and hide it in your underwear draw.

    • Forkinhell on 13/10/2020 - 09:34
      +1

      That's not acceptable - if there's a fire, you lose your underwear also.

      So, have two sets of underwear and store one set at a friend's house.

      • HelpMeiCantSee on 13/10/2020 - 09:49

        3rd option- make wearable storage undies.

      • lunchbox99 on 13/10/2020 - 11:49

        Liar liar (under)pants on fire!

    • Frankensnore on 14/10/2020 - 09:11

      It's an offsite backup option, onsite there are many backups already.

  • HelpMeiCantSee on 13/10/2020 - 09:48

    Yes.

    They can do as they please. Just buy some cheap hard drives

    If you’re using what you’re not paying for, they can do what they like to bring it down to below what you are paying for.

    • Frankensnore on 13/10/2020 - 11:24

      Unless the hard drive is stored somewhere far away, it still have the risk of the house burnt down, stolen, etc.

      • HelpMeiCantSee on 15/10/2020 - 10:23

        Ok, buy 6.. mirror them all, and store at random locations.

        OR. crazy idea here, PAY FOR THE SERVICE YOU WOULD LIKE.

        Madness, I know. But sometimes crazy just works.

  • particle on 14/10/2020 - 02:57

    Then I upload my entire photo and video library to the cloud.

    After all space is used. I downgrade the account or stop paying (close the credit card account).

    Have you looked into free cloud storage options for photos and videos? Eg Google Photos is unlimited free for up to 16MP res (anything larger is scaled down for the free option). But if you want to keep your original quality then it'll count against your quota.

    • Frankensnore on 14/10/2020 - 09:07

      I am thinking more than just photos and videos, but thank you.

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