Microsoft Azure Privacy Statement
Last Updated: October 26, 2023
1. Introduction
This Privacy Statement describes the personal data that Microsoft collects, how Microsoft uses and shares that data, and how you can manage your personal information when you use Microsoft Azure services. Microsoft is committed to protecting your privacy. We understand that you entrust us with your personal information, and we take that responsibility seriously.
This statement applies to the personal data collected through your interactions with Microsoft Azure services, including the Azure portal, Azure CLI, Azure SDKs, and other Azure management tools. It does not apply to any third-party services that you may connect to Azure.
2. Data We Collect
Microsoft Azure collects various types of data to provide and improve our services. This includes:
- Account and Subscription Information: Name, email address, billing information, subscription ID, tenant ID, and other details necessary to manage your Azure account and subscriptions.
- Service Usage Data: Information about how you use Azure services, including logs, metrics, resource configurations, and operational data. This helps us monitor performance, troubleshoot issues, and identify areas for improvement.
- Technical Information: IP addresses, browser type, operating system, device identifiers, and error reports. This information is collected to help diagnose problems and ensure the security and reliability of our services.
- Content You Provide: Any data, content, or code that you store, process, or transmit using Azure services. Microsoft does not access or use your content for any purpose other than to provide you with the services you have contracted for.
- Communications: Records of your communications with Microsoft support, feedback forms, and other interactions.
3. How We Use Your Data
We use the data we collect for the following purposes:
- To Provide and Operate Services: This is the primary purpose. We use your data to deliver the Azure services you subscribe to, manage your resources, and ensure they are running correctly.
- To Improve Services: We analyze usage patterns and performance data to identify bugs, develop new features, and enhance the overall quality of Azure.
- To Ensure Security and Compliance: We use data to protect Azure and its users from fraud, abuse, security risks, and to comply with legal obligations.
- To Communicate with You: We may contact you regarding your account, service updates, security notifications, and other important information.
- For Billing and Support: To process payments, manage your account, and provide technical support when you need it.
4. Sharing Your Data
Microsoft does not sell your personal data. We may share your data in the following circumstances:
- With Your Consent: We will share data when you have given us explicit consent to do so.
- To Service Providers: We engage third-party companies to provide services on our behalf, such as payment processing, customer support, and data analysis. These providers are authorized to use your personal information only as necessary to provide services to us.
- For Legal Reasons: We may disclose data if required by law, legal process, or government request.
- To Protect Microsoft and Others: We may disclose data to enforce our terms of service, prevent fraud, or protect the rights, property, or safety of Microsoft, our customers, or the public.
5. Your Choices and Control
You have control over your personal information and how it is used. You can:
- Access and Correct Your Information: You can access and update much of your account information through the Azure portal.
- Manage Your Subscriptions: You can manage your Azure subscriptions, including cancellation, through the Azure portal.
- Review Audit Logs: Azure provides comprehensive audit logging capabilities, allowing you to monitor activities within your subscriptions.
- Configure Privacy Settings: Explore the privacy and security settings within the Azure portal to configure how certain data is collected and used.
6. Data Security
Microsoft is committed to protecting the security of your data. We implement a variety of security technologies and procedures to help protect your personal information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. These measures include encryption, access controls, and regular security assessments.
For more details on our security practices, please refer to the Microsoft Azure Security Center.
7. Compliance and Certifications
Microsoft Azure adheres to numerous global and industry-specific compliance standards and certifications. These demonstrate our commitment to data privacy, security, and regulatory requirements.
You can find a comprehensive list of our certifications and compliance offerings on the Azure Compliance page.
8. Changes to This Statement
We may update this Privacy Statement from time to time to reflect changes in our services or legal requirements. We will post any changes on this page and update the "Last Updated" date at the top of the statement. We encourage you to review this statement periodically.
9. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Statement or Microsoft Azure's privacy practices, please contact us:
Thank you for choosing Microsoft Azure.