Privacy Statement

1. Introduction

This Privacy Statement explains how Microsoft Corporation and its affiliates (collectively "Microsoft," "we," "us," or "our") collect, use, and share personal information when you use the Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) services, including websites, applications, and software available through MSDN (collectively, the "MSDN Services").

We are committed to protecting your privacy. This statement outlines our practices regarding your personal information.

2. Information We Collect

We collect information in several ways:

Information You Provide Directly:
- Account Information: When you create or update your Microsoft account, we collect your name, email address, password, and sometimes payment information.
- Profile Information: You may choose to provide additional information in your MSDN profile, such as your job title, company, interests, and preferred communication methods.
- Content and Communications: We collect information you submit when you post to forums, ask questions, provide feedback, or communicate with us or other users through the MSDN Services. This includes code samples, comments, and support requests.
- Usage Data: When you use MSDN Services, we collect data about your interactions, such as features you use, content you access, downloads, and search queries.
Information Collected Automatically:
- Device Information: We collect information about the device you use to access MSDN Services, including hardware model, operating system, browser type, unique device identifiers, and mobile network information.
- Log Information: We automatically log information about your use of the MSDN Services, including your IP address, browser type, access times, pages viewed, and referral URLs.
- Cookies and Similar Technologies: We use cookies, web beacons, and other similar technologies to collect information about your browsing activity, preferences, and to personalize your experience. You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings.
Information from Third Parties:

We may receive information about you from third-party sources, such as social media platforms if you choose to link your account, or from publicly available sources.

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect for the following purposes:

To provide, maintain, and improve the MSDN Services.
To personalize your experience and recommend relevant content, products, and services.
To communicate with you about your account, updates, and relevant information.
To respond to your inquiries, feedback, and support requests.
To develop new services and features.
To protect the security and integrity of our services and users.
To analyze usage patterns and trends to improve our offerings.
For marketing and promotional purposes, in accordance with applicable laws and your preferences.

4. Sharing Your Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share your information in the following circumstances:

With Your Consent: We will share your information when you have given us consent to do so.
With Service Providers: We may share information with third-party vendors and service providers who perform services on our behalf, such as cloud hosting, data analysis, and customer support. These providers are obligated to protect your information.
For Legal Reasons: We may disclose your information if required by law, regulation, legal process, or governmental request, or to protect the rights, property, or safety of Microsoft, our users, or the public.
In Business Transfers: If Microsoft is involved in a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred as part of that transaction.
Aggregated or Anonymized Data: We may share aggregated or anonymized data that cannot be reasonably used to identify you.

5. Your Choices and Control

You have choices regarding the information we collect and how we use it:

Account Settings: You can review and update your personal information and privacy preferences through your Microsoft account settings.
Communications: You can manage your email subscriptions and communication preferences.
Cookies: You can control and manage cookies through your browser settings.

6. Security

We implement technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or electronic storage is 100% secure.

7. Children's Privacy

The MSDN Services are not intended for children under 16 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children without parental consent.

8. Changes to This Privacy Statement

We may update this Privacy Statement from time to time. We will notify you of any material changes by posting the new statement on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date. We encourage you to review this statement periodically.

9. Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Statement or our privacy practices, please contact us through our support channels or write to us at:

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

MSDN Privacy Statement