Microsoft Azure Privacy Statement

Introduction

Microsoft is committed to protecting your privacy. This privacy statement explains how Microsoft collects, processes, and uses your personal data when you use Microsoft Azure services. Azure is a cloud computing platform that offers a broad range of services for building, testing, deploying, and managing applications and services through Microsoft-managed data centers.

This statement applies to the services and products offered by Microsoft Azure. It does not apply to third-party applications, services, or websites that may be linked to or accessible from Azure.

1. Data We Collect

We collect various types of data to provide and improve Azure services:

1.1. Service-Related Data

• Account Information: When you create an Azure account, we collect information such as your name, email address, phone number, and billing information.
• Usage Data: We collect data about how you and your users interact with Azure services, including usage patterns, performance metrics, and error logs.
• Content Data: If you store or process data using Azure services (e.g., in Azure Storage or Azure SQL Database), we collect and process that content as directed by you. We do not access or use your content for any purpose other than to provide the service.
• Device Information: Information about the devices used to access Azure services, such as hardware model, operating system version, and unique device identifiers.
• Technical Data: IP addresses, browser types, operating system, referral URLs, and information about your interaction with our services.

1.2. Operational Data

• Diagnostic and Performance Data: Data generated by the Azure infrastructure and services to ensure their operation, including performance logs, uptime metrics, and security event data.
• Security Data: Information related to security events, such as intrusion detection logs, suspicious activity alerts, and vulnerability scan results.

2. How We Use Your Data

We use the data we collect for the following purposes:

• To Provide and Maintain Azure Services: This includes provisioning resources, managing subscriptions, processing transactions, and ensuring the availability and reliability of services.
• To Improve and Develop Azure Services: We analyze usage patterns and performance data to identify areas for improvement, develop new features, and enhance the overall user experience.
• To Ensure Security and Protect Our Services: We use data to monitor for and prevent fraud, abuse, security risks, and technical issues.
• To Communicate with You: We may use your contact information to send you important service announcements, billing notifications, and updates about Azure.
• To Comply with Legal Obligations: We may use and disclose data as required by law or to respond to legal processes.

3. Data Sharing and Disclosure

Microsoft does not sell your personal data. We may share your data in the following circumstances:

• With Your Consent: We will share your data with other companies, organizations, or individuals outside of Microsoft when we have your consent to do so.
• With Third-Party Service Providers: We may engage third-party companies to provide services on our behalf, such as payment processing, customer support, and data analysis. These providers are bound by confidentiality agreements and are restricted from using your data for any purpose other than providing the services we request.
• For Legal Reasons: We may disclose your data if we are required to do so by law, regulation, legal process, or governmental request, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of Microsoft, our customers, or the public.
• In Connection with Business Transfers: If Microsoft is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, we may transfer your data as part of that transaction.

4. Security of Your Data

Microsoft is committed to protecting the security of your data. We implement a variety of security technologies and procedures to help protect your personal data from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure. These measures include physical, technical, and administrative safeguards.

However, no method of transmission over the internet or method of electronic storage is 100% secure. Therefore, we cannot guarantee absolute security.

5. Your Choices and Rights

You have choices regarding the collection and use of your personal data:

• Accessing and Controlling Your Data: You can access and manage much of your personal data through your Azure portal.
• Communication Preferences: You can manage your communication preferences for marketing and non-essential service communications.
• Data Subject Rights: Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the right to access, rectify, delete, or restrict the processing of your personal data.

6. Changes to This Privacy Statement

We may update this privacy statement from time to time to reflect changes in our services, legal requirements, or business practices. We will post any changes on this page and update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this statement. We encourage you to review this statement periodically.

7. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this privacy statement or Microsoft's privacy practices, please visit our Microsoft Privacy website or contact our Data Protection Officer.