Microsoft Azure Privacy Statement

1. Introduction

This privacy statement explains how Microsoft and its affiliates (collectively, "Microsoft," "we," "us," or "our") collect, use, and share personal data when you use Microsoft Azure services ("Services"). This statement applies to the Azure platform, including its various components, tools, and associated services.

Microsoft is committed to protecting your privacy. We strive to be transparent about our data handling practices. This statement outlines your privacy rights and how you can exercise them.

2. Data We Collect

We collect data to operate our Services effectively and provide you with the best experience.

2.1. Through Our Services

When you use Azure, we may collect the following types of data:

Account and Subscription Information: Details provided during account creation, including your name, email address, organization, payment information, and subscription details.
Service Usage Data: Information about how you interact with Azure services, including resource deployment, configuration, logs, performance metrics, and diagnostic data. This may include IP addresses, browser types, operating system details, and geographical location.
Content and Communications: Any content you store or process within Azure services, as well as communications with Microsoft support or through our communication channels.
Technical Data: Information related to the devices and software you use to access Azure, such as hardware model, operating system version, unique device identifiers, and mobile network information.

2.2. From Your Feedback

If you contact us with feedback, questions, or requests for support, we collect your name, email address, and the content of your communication.

2.3. From Third Parties

We may receive data about you from third-party sources, such as business partners, resellers, or publicly available sources, to supplement our records.

3. How We Use Your Data

We use the data we collect for various purposes, including:

3.1. To Provide and Improve Services

To deliver, maintain, and improve Azure services, including troubleshooting, analyzing performance, and developing new features. This includes using usage data to optimize resource allocation and service delivery.

3.2. For Security and Safety

To protect the security and integrity of our Services and your data. This involves detecting and preventing fraud, abuse, and security risks, and investigating suspicious activity.

3.3. For Communication

To communicate with you about your account, service updates, security notices, and other relevant information. We may also use your data to inform you about other Microsoft products and services that may be of interest, in accordance with applicable laws.

3.4. For Compliance

To comply with legal obligations, enforce our agreements, and protect the rights, property, and safety of Microsoft, our users, and the public.

4. When We Share Your Data

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

With Your Consent: When you have given us explicit consent to share your data.
With Service Providers: We may share data with third-party vendors and partners who perform services on our behalf, under strict confidentiality agreements. These providers are bound by contract to protect your data.
For Legal Reasons: If required by law, subpoena, or other legal process, or to protect the rights and safety of Microsoft, our users, or the public.
In Business Transfers: In connection with a merger, sale of assets, or acquisition, your data may be transferred as part of the business.
With Azure Partners: If you purchase Azure services through a Microsoft partner, we may share relevant data with that partner as necessary to provide the services.

5. Data Security

Microsoft implements robust security measures to protect your data from unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include technical, administrative, and physical safeguards.

We continuously update our security practices and technologies to ensure the highest level of protection for your data hosted on Azure. For more detailed information, please refer to the Azure Trust Center.

6. Data Retention

We retain personal data for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this statement, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law. The criteria used to determine retention periods include the duration of your use of Azure services, our legal and contractual obligations, and the nature of the data.

7. Your Choices

You have control over your personal data. You can:

Access and Update: Access and update certain personal data through your Azure account portal.
Manage Subscriptions: Control your subscription settings and communication preferences within the Azure portal.
Data Subject Rights: Depending on your location, you may have rights to request access, correction, deletion, or restriction of processing of your personal data.

For specific data management requests, please refer to the Azure portal or contact our privacy team.

Note: Certain Azure data may be subject to specific contractual agreements or compliance requirements. Please consult your terms of service and any applicable service-specific addendums.

8. Contact Us

If you have questions about this privacy statement or our data handling practices, please contact us:

Microsoft Privacy Response Center: privacy.microsoft.com/en-us/contact-us
Mailing Address:

Microsoft Corporation
One Microsoft Way
Redmond, WA 98052-6399
USA

We are committed to resolving your concerns promptly and transparently.