Our Principles
Principles Are Central To Our Actions
Principles
Windows Principles
Choice, opportunity, and interoperability are the principles we use in developing Windows, Microsoft’s flagship product. These ensure our customers, software developer network, and business partners benefit from a cutting edge software operating system that works with programs from other developers, and promotes healthy market-based competition.
Privacy Principles
We believe individuals should retain control over their personal information online, and so we develop our products with privacy and security in mind. Our policies govern data usage, and we are committed to communicating clearly with users. We also encourage governments to enact privacy laws that support internationally agreed-upon principles.
Interoperability Principles
We recognize that in an increasingly interconnected computing world, ensuring different products and services work together—commonly called “interoperability” —is more important than ever.
Interactive Gaming Principles
We abide by a set of guiding principles for promoting safe, secure, and appropriate gaming experiences for every audience.
Freedom of Expression
Through the Global Network Initiative we support protecting and advancing human rights, freedom of expression, and privacy in network communications and information technology.
Environmental Principles
We work to minimize our company’s environmental footprint, reduce the energy and raw materials used by our products, and help customers and partners manage their own environmental profiles by offering energy-saving and innovative software.
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Our goal is to be principled, transparent, and accountable as we develop new versions of Windows. These voluntary principles are intended to provide the industry and consumers with the benefits of ongoing innovation, while creating and preserving robust opportunities for competition.
Brad SmithGeneral Counsel
Microsoft
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