The "create" phase of the cloud data lifecycle concerns the initial generation of data content within the cloud environment. This includes constructing entirely new data, importing data from external systems (which is new to the cloud), and modifying existing data content to create a new version. Modifying metadata, however, involves changing the attributes or properties about the data (e.g., classification tags, file ownership, access permissions), not the actual content of the data itself. This action is a form of data management or processing, which is typically categorized under the "use" phase of the lifecycle, not the "create" phase.

B. Importing data: This action introduces data into the cloud environment for the first time, which is a form of data creation within the context of that system.

C. Modifying data: The modification or updating of existing data content is explicitly defined as part of the "create" phase, as it results in a new version of the data.

D. Constructing new data: This is the primary and most direct form of data creation, involving the generation of new digital content from scratch.

1. Cloud Security Alliance (CSA). (2017). Security Guidance for Critical Areas of Focus in Cloud Computing v4.0. Page 61

Section "Data Security Lifecycle". The document defines the "Create" phase as "The generation of new digital content

or the modification/updating of existing content." This definition includes options B

C

and D but excludes the management of attributes (metadata)

which falls under the "Use" phase ("Data is viewed

processed

or otherwise used...").

2. Ko

R.K.L.

Lee

E.W.

Lee

S.G. et al. (2021). A Reference Model for the Cloud Computing Data Life Cycle. Journal of Cloud Computing

10(13). Section 3

"Cloud Computing Data Life Cycle (CDLC) Reference Model". This academic paper describes the "Create" phase as the point where "data is generated or entered into the system

" which aligns with constructing and importing data. Modifying metadata is a subsequent management action

not the initial generation of content. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13677-021-00230-x.

3. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). (2011). NIST Special Publication 800-145

The NIST Definition of Cloud Computing. While this document defines cloud computing

its principles underpin the data lifecycle. The creation of data is tied to the generation of the information asset itself

whereas metadata management is a control or administrative function applied to that asset.