Amazon Web Services (AWS) was established in 2006 when cloud computing was a new concept, with many businesses relying on traditional on-premise data centers. Cloud computing completely revolutionized the IT industry by introducing the on-demand delivery of computing services, which allows companies to carry out operations without having to maintain their own physical servers. This not only allowed companies to save time from setting up servers but also decreased costs from maintenance of the servers. Some of the largest cloud computing companies today are Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), and Amazon Web Services(AWS). According to Felix Richter in his article “Amazon Maintains Cloud Lead as Microsoft Edges Closer” as of November 2024, AWS dominates over 30% of the cloud computing market. Despite the title of the article cited, there are trends that suggest that Azure is not as close to overtaking AWS in the cloud market as it may appear. Although Azure started later and had more impressive success in a shorter amount of time, AWS continues to maintain a strong lead. The continued success of AWS is in part due to the loyal customer base, various services, and continuous improvements to their platform. The significant lead AWS has in the market can be attributed to their ability to watch the market and learn how to keep the lead by constantly innovating. The legality surrounding AWS is difficult to navigate, as businesses AWS must understand various regulations and meet compliance requirements. Intellectual property concerns only grow as cloud-based services allow multiple stakeholders to interact, increasing the risk of data misuse and copyright infringement. Furthermore the use of artificial intelligence continues to be a point of debate. In fact it may be one of the largest concerns recently pertaining to the cyber security space in general, but artificial intelligence will be explored more in depth in the section “security risks”. Another legal issue AWS has to look out for is that it has to ensure that its services follow licensing agreements. AWS is partially responsible for ensuring that businesses using its platform do not violate intellectual property laws. Ethical issues arise as AWS expands its AI and machine learning capabilities. AI models may reflect biases present in training data, potentially leading to unfair or discriminatory outcomes. AWS must continuously refine its AI services to ensure ethical decision-making and fairness in automated processes. AWS has redefined cloud computing by offering scalable, secure, and innovative solutions. However, its dominance raises legal, ethical, and security concerns that require careful management. The continued growth of AWS necessitates a proactive approach to compliance, privacy, and cybersecurity to ensure responsible usage. Ensuring compliance, mitigating security risks, and addressing ethical dilemmas are essential for sustaining responsible growth in cloud computing. AWS’s success highlights the importance of balancing technological advancement with regulatory and ethical considerations to create a secure and fair digital ecosystem. As the cloud computing landscape evolves, AWS will need to adapt to emerging challenges and maintain its leadership through innovation and responsible governance. Furthermore, AWS must invest in research and development to stay ahead of cybersecurity threats and implement robust privacy measures to maintain customer trust. By collaborating with policymakers, AWS can help shape regulations that support technological advancement while ensuring user protection. Expanding transparency in AI decision-making and refining data protection strategies will be crucial in mitigating ethical concerns surrounding artificial intelligence and automation. As businesses become increasingly reliant on cloud computing, AWS must ensure that its infrastructure remains resilient against global disruptions. Addressing energy consumption and sustainability challenges will also be imperative as AWS expands its data center operations worldwide. By integrating green technology and optimizing energy efficiency, AWS can set industry standards for sustainable cloud computing. Through continuous innovation and a strong commitment to security, compliance, and ethical responsibility, AWS can solidify its role as a leader in the future of cloud computing.