Enterance to the Arctic World Archive vault

Secure data storage on Svalbard

Much of our heritage is stored digitally and, despite best efforts to protect it for the future, it can be exposed to risks, either from the online environment or just from the limits of modern storage technology. The combination of resilient long-term storage technology and the remote, safe and cold conditions found on Svalbard, enables files and data to survive long into the distant future.

AWA's role in preserving our global heritage is nothing short of extraordinary. In the frigid embrace of Svalbard, it stands as a testament to our commitment to safeguarding our priceless digital legacy. Every item within its vaults is a reminder that our past, present, and future are all intertwined, and AWA is the guardian of this precious connection.

Katrine depositing data in the vault
World map with Piql's location as dots

Founded by Piql in Norway

The Arctic World Archive (AWA) was launched in March 2017 by Piql AS, an innovative technology company located on mainland Norway and with offices all around the globe. Piql is the leading specialist provider of digital preservation and long term data and file storage solutions. Backed by the European Union, it is well recognized for its innovative approach to keeping data well preserved with guaranteed future access.

Read more on Piql's website

In the centre of the permafrost

AWA is located in a well-kept and safe decommissioned mine, Mine no. 3 (Gruve 3) that is owned by Store Norske Spitsbergen Kulkompani (SNSK). SNSK has more than 100 years experience developing and operating mines and infrastructure on Svalbard, and is owned by the Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries. AWA is a secure underground and unhackable data vault at the centre of the permafrost, 300 metres inside the mine and 300 metres below the top of the mountain. SNSK is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the vault, including security and access control for AWA.

Svalbard mountains at night
Polar bear in snow

Sustainability

The piqlFilm is a migration free, future proof and passive storage technology with a very low CO2 footprint that is extremely cost efficient and sustainable over time. The technology does not rely on the cloud, needs no servers, no migration, no electricity to keep the data alive for centuries. Piql's technology combined with the safety and location of the Arctic World Archive underground data vault is the only recipe for guaranteed unhackable data and file storage. Storage conditions in AWA are ideal for piqlFilm, - cold, dry and dark. So, no need to cool or heat to keep data alive. The only data storage facility in the world with a zero-carbon footprint!

FAQ

Have questions about AWA?

Contact us anytime

[email protected]

AWA is more than a repository; it's a sanctuary for the collective achievements of humanity. As we continue to innovate and create, AWA will stand as a silent guardian, ensuring that our priceless data endures for generations to come.

What data can I store?

You can store any file type or digital information; however, we recommend certain file types such as PDF, WAV and TIFF for digital preservation purposes.

How is my data stored?

Your data is stored on the piqlFilm (developed by Piql AS) that is a unique and very robust data storage medium that is ultra-secure, non-hackable, immutable, self-contained, unalterable, and migration-free – and that has been tested with documented longevity of over 1000 years. The target for AWA is to reach 2000 years. Further, the piqlFilm is immune to electromagnetic radiation and cyberattacks. Your piqlFilm is stored offline and off-grid.

How do I get my data back?

If you have chosen to have data a copy of your data online through the AWA platform you can download immediately through the platform. If the data is only stored on piqlFilm in AWA, you need to request a retrieval of the data and await until the retrieval process is completed. Your data would be retrieved from the piqlFilm and made available in the platform for download. You will be notified when ready.

How long does it take to get my data back?

If you have an online copy of the files in the platform it can be accessed immediately. If not, you will have to make a retrieval request and it can take up to 5 business days before the data is available for download in the platform.

Who owns my data?

You always own your own data. If you store your data on your own piqlFilm, you also own that piqlFilm. If you share a piqlFilm, you still own your data, but the piqlFilm is owned by AWA.

Who can access my data?

Only you that can access, download and retrieve your data. However, since AWA is about protecting World Memory for the benefit of future generations the idea is also to share history and memories with the world, so AWA has the right to share/exhibit/display your information for this purpose if nothing else has been agreed.

Why is AWA secure?

AWA is located in a well-kept and safe decommissioned mine, Mine no. 3 (Gruve 3) that is owned by Store Norske Spitsbergen Kulkompani (SNSK). SNSK has more than 100 years’ experience developing and operating mines and infrastructure on Svalbard and is owned by the Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries. SNSK is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the vault, including security and access control for AWA. The vault is protected according to best practice media vault security standards and is under alarm protection and video surveillance 24/7.

What about Svalbard and global warming?

You are right that the global warming in the Arctic is an issue, so we shall do our part to preserve the climate and the fragile nature in the Arctic. AWA is located in the centre of the permafrost, 300 meter inside and below the top of the mountain. This means that any change of temperature in the vault will take a long time. Further, the piqlFilm is tested in 21 degrees Celsius to qualify it for 1000 years, so if the temperature inside the vault increases from -4 degrees Celsius to +4 degrees Celsius it will really not affect the lifetime of the data too much.

How sustainable is AWA?

The piqlFilm is a migration free, future proof and passive storage technology with a very low CO2 footprint that is extremely cost efficient and sustainable over time. The technology needs no servers, no migration, no electricity to keep the data alive for centuries. Storage conditions in AWA are ideal for piqlFilm, - cold, dry and dark. So, no need to cool or heat to keep data alive. The only data storage facility in the world with a zero-carbon footprint!

Can my data be stored confidentially?

Yes, they can, but since the idea with AWA is that it is a repository for World Memory and something that is built to be shared with future generations, we have an alternative secret vault at a secret location for your confidential data.

How can I attend a deposit?

Anybody that deposits data in AWA can attend a public, a private or an online deposit ceremony. Please contact us for further information.

Will my memories be shared with the world?

Since AWA is about protecting World Memory for the benefit of future generations the idea is also to share history and memories with the world, so by default AWA has the right to share/exhibit/display your information for this purpose. If you do not want your data to be shared you can inform us and it shall be kept confidential.

Is the transfer of my files secure?

Yes, we use secure HTTPS file transfer with TLS 1.2, 256-bit AES encryption and SHA384. The files are also securly encypted on the AWA cloud using FIPS 140-2 compliant 256-bit AES encryption.

Where is the AWA cloud?

The AWA cloud is located at Microsoft Azure data center in Norway. All files securly encypted on the AWA cloud using FIPS 140-2 compliant 256-bit AES encryption. All data is also stored with locally redundant avaliability.

But it's not just about what we have achieved as a global community; it's also about preserving the cultural heritage of indigenous peoples. AWA safeguards their irreplaceable memories, traditions, and stories, ensuring that they are not lost to time.

Use the AWA Platform

Want to explore how it works before making a deposit?

Get free access to the AWA platform and see how you can manage, preview, and prepare your preservation projects.

  • Upload unlimited data to your personal piqlFilm(s) with secure cloud storage until final submission.
  • Store any file format, in digital (QR-code) or visual format for long-term readability.
  • Track and manage deposits directly from your dashboard with full metadata support.
  • Retrieve your data anytime, with files made available via the secure AWA online portal.
Access and use it for free
Define you own metadata schemas in the AWA web application