Promoting a Healthy Online Ecosystem

Fostering an Internet That Benefits All Users

We believe that the Internet, like an ecosystem in the natural world, is an inter-dependent network of participants—consumers, content publishers, advertisers, network operators and service providers. All of us share an interest in ensuring the Internet and other communication networks promote healthy competition, innovation and consumer choice, as well as privacy, safety and freedom.

  • Client plus Cloud Computing

    We are on the verge of a new era of computing, in which software and intelligent devices, such as computers and cell phones, connect with Internet-based data storage and services. Users will have more choice and flexibility in their computing and retain control of their data applications, while they will also be able to control IT costs, access new services quickly, and tap into almost limitless computing power.

  • Interoperability and Consumer Choice

    When online products and services work together—commonly called “interoperability”— consumers have more choice. We believe that consumers should have the freedom to use whatever technologies best meet their needs. Microsoft and other companies are working together to make sure that devices and software from different companies can function better together, and that people can access and move their data no matter where they are created and stored. Government policies can promote user choice by supporting industry-led efforts to promote interoperability among products from different vendors and to ensure that users have access to their data across various online products and services.

  • Internet Safety and Security

    While the Internet helps bring us together, users are also vulnerable to safety and security risks, including identity theft, cyber bullying, phishing scams, and other malicious and criminal activity. “End to End Trust” is our vision of a safer, more trusted Internet. Yet this vision can only be achieved through industry-wide collaboration among hardware, software, service providers, Internet users and governments.

    Privacy, Internet Safety and Security

  • Accessibility

    We focus on making computing easier for all people to see, hear and use, regardless of age, literacy, or disabilities. Well-designed technology can empower and connect an aging population, as well as people with disabilities, enhancing education, reducing barriers to employment, enabling them to work longer, and increasing their access to public services.

  • Freedom of Expression

    Technological advances make it easier for people to publish and respond to news, information and opinions, which let us explore ideas, check facts, and share the truth. We work hard to foster an Internet that is reliable and trustworthy. Ultimately we believe freedom of expression online will benefit societies, spurring innovation, academic inquiry and economic development. We have partnered with other leading companies, academics and interest groups to form Global Network Initiative, which provides operational guidance to the IT sector and is grounded in internationally recognized principles of free expression.

 
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Microsoft Public Policy Agenda

(PDF file, 220 KB)