Protect fundamental rights
At Microsoft, protecting fundamental rights means promoting responsible business practices, expanding accessibility and connectivity, and advancing fair and inclusive societies.
Responsible business practices
We aspire to be leaders in human rights and a catalyst for action by others in the tech sector and beyond.
Respecting and promoting human rights
We rely on international standards to help ensure that our business activities respect and promote human rights and that technology plays a positive role.
Supply chain integrity
Our global supply chain leans into responsible sourcing centered around the environment, people’s fundamental rights, ethics due diligence standards, and supplier risk management.
Access and connectivity
Increasingly, internet access and accessible technology must be considered fundamental rights. Without them, people lack access to education, healthcare, jobs, and essential services.
Closing the connectivity gap
Approximately 2.7 billion people globally do not have access to the internet. Our Airband Initiative brings affordable access to millions of people in unserved communities so they can participate in school, work, telehealth, and more.
Identifying digital equity gaps in the United States
Accurate mapping is essential to disburse broadband funds efficiently and to maximize resources and investments in communities of highest need. This tool was designed to empower state agencies, nonprofits, and policymakers to identify significant digital equity gaps in their states.
Expanding accessibility and inclusion
We’re committed to creating and growing the use of accessible technology, expanding skill-building and hiring opportunities for people with disabilities, and advocating for policies that advance accessibility as a fundamental right.
Fair and inclusive societies
Microsoft endeavors to protect and advance democracy by promoting a healthy information ecosystem, safeguarding electoral processes, and advocating for corporate civic responsibility.
Protecting the institutions of democracy
Our Democracy Forward initiative works to advance and protect democracy by safeguarding democratic processes, promoting a healthy information ecosystem, and working to enhance media literacy, civic engagement, and societal resilience to foreign influence operations.
Strengthening justice reform
We’re using data, technology, and partnership to protect and advance the fundamental right to racial equity and fairness in the criminal legal system so communities can thrive.
Supporting higher education
We engage universities and academics to create a responsible technology ecosystem; advance research and innovation; and develop a robust and broadly diverse pipeline of talent.
Addressing racial inequity
We're taking action to improve the lived experience of Black and African American communities. This starts with an investment in our own culture of inclusion and extends to how we strengthen our communities and drive progress to a more equitable justice system.
“We must work to ensure that AI technology is understood and that everyone can access its benefits.”
—Teresa Hutson, Technology for Fundamental Rights Officer, Microsoft
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