Introduction
This privacy statement describes how Microsoft collects, uses, and shares personal information when you interact with the Microsoft .NET documentation website and its associated services.
We are committed to protecting your privacy and providing you with clear information about our data practices.
Information We Collect
Automatically Collected Information
When you visit our documentation, we automatically collect certain information, including:
- Device and Browser Information: Such as your IP address, browser type, operating system, and device identifiers. This helps us optimize the site for different devices and browsers.
- Usage Data: Including pages visited, links clicked, time spent on the site, and search queries. This data helps us understand how the documentation is used, identify popular topics, and improve its organization and content.
- Cookies and Similar Technologies: We use cookies to store preferences, track user sessions, and gather analytics. You can manage cookie settings through your browser.
Information You Provide
While the core documentation service does not require you to provide personal information, some features may:
- Feedback Forms: If you submit feedback or contact us through forms, we will collect the information you provide, such as your name, email address, and the content of your message. This is used solely to address your feedback or inquiry.
- Account-Based Features: If you sign in with a Microsoft account to access personalized features (e.g., saving favorites, custom reading lists), we will associate your activity with your account.
How We Use Your Information
We use the collected information for the following purposes:
- To provide, maintain, and improve the .NET documentation website and services.
- To understand how users interact with the documentation to make informed decisions about content and features.
- To personalize your experience, such as remembering your preferences.
- To respond to your inquiries and feedback.
- To ensure the security and integrity of our services.
- To comply with legal obligations.
Information Sharing and Disclosure
Microsoft does not sell your personal information. We may share information in the following limited circumstances:
- Service Providers: We may share information with third-party vendors who perform services on our behalf, such as analytics providers. These providers are contractually obligated to protect your data.
- Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law or in response to valid requests by public authorities.
- Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of the transaction.
Your Choices and Rights
You have control over your personal information:
- Cookie Management: You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings.
- Account Settings: If you are signed in with a Microsoft account, you can manage your account privacy settings through the Microsoft privacy dashboard.
- Opt-Out: You may be able to opt out of certain data collection or processing activities as described in this statement or through specific service settings.
Data Security
We implement technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, use, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure.
Changes to This Privacy Statement
We may update this privacy statement from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this statement periodically.
Last Updated: October 26, 2023