The extensive interconnection of computers and users today means that there are more ways than ever to intrude on people—as with adware or spam—or to monitor behavior and obtain sensitive information—as with spyware or identity theft.

In a global economy that relies on the massive flow and exchange of information, protecting privacy is a critical element of how we serve our customers.

Related Resources

Privacy Protections in Microsoft's Ad Serving System and the Process of "De-identification"
October 2007. Read a white paper about how Microsoft bases ad selection solely on data that does NOT personally and directly identify individual users.

Microsoft's Privacy Principles for Live Search and Online Ad Targeting (Microsoft Word)
Read the principles behind Microsoft's privacy policies for Live Search and behavioral ad targeting online.

Privacy and Trust in a Connected World
Download the white paper "Data Privacy Imperative: Microsoft’s Approach to Helping Protect Personal Information in the Digital Ecosystem."

Privacy Guidelines for Developing Software Products and Services
Download guidelines designed to help foster an industry-wide dialogue on privacy best practices in design and development.

EU Privacy Whitepaper
Download a study of how Microsoft has approached compliance with the EU's privacy rules.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Privacy: The Microsoft Perspective
Download a document that describes the key privacy issues around RFID use, and presents recommendations to address these issues.