Privacy by Design at Microsoft
The global economy increasingly relies on huge flows of information. This is particularly true in the technology industry.
For Microsoft to succeed in today's environment, our customers must trust that we are an accountable organization with an inherent respect for privacy. But we do not expect our customers to trust us blindly. We must earn their trust by being as transparent as possible about the people, policies, and processes we have in place to protect privacy.
We have invested heavily over many years to build what we believe are some of the strongest privacy programs in our industry.
"Privacy by Design" has become a popular term in the privacy community, but it means different things to different people. At Microsoft, Privacy by Design describes not only how we build products but also how we operate our services and organize ourselves as an accountable technology leader.
Microsoft International President Jean-Philippe Courtois detailed Microsoft's approach to Privacy by Design during a speech to the International Association of Privacy Professionals in Paris in November 2010.
People
Dedicated Microsoft professionals, with a passion for privacy, drive our privacy program.
Processes
Rigorous technical development standards and thorough privacy reviews help ensure that privacy and data protections are systematically incorporated into Microsoft products and services."
Privacy Technologies and Features
Many Microsoft products and services include technologies or features that reflect our focus on privacy and data protection."
Research
Microsoft Research scientists conduct basic and applied research in computer science, software engineering, and the interaction between information and communications technology and society. Privacy is a topic of particular focus."
Outreach
No single company or industry can completely safeguard privacy in our globally connected world. Microsoft works with customers, industry leaders, civil society, and governments to establish standards and policies to help people and organizations better manage and protect personal information."
