Microsoft Edge: AI browser

"We collect location data using Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) (e.g., GPS) and data about nearby cell towers and Wi-Fi hotspots. Other input: data such as the buttons you press on an Xbox wireless controller, skeletal tracking data when you use Kinect, and other sensor data, like the number of steps you take, when you use devices that have applicable sensors."

Microsoft collects a broad range of device data including contacts, biometrics, sensor data, installed software, device identifiers, nearby WiFi access points, and skeletal tracking data — much of which goes beyond core functionality.

"We collect location data using Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) (e.g., GPS) and data about nearby cell towers and Wi-Fi hotspots. Location can also be inferred from a device's IP address or data in your account profile that indicates where it is located with less precision, such as at a city or postal code level."

Microsoft collects both precise GPS-based location and imprecise IP/WiFi-based location data through multiple methods, enabling comprehensive location tracking across its products.

"Microsoft Privacy Statement Last Updated: March 2026. This privacy statement explains the personal data Microsoft processes, how Microsoft processes it, and for what purposes. This statement applies to the interactions Microsoft has with you and the Microsoft products listed below, as well as other Microsoft products that display this statement."

The privacy statement is updated periodically with no mechanism described for obtaining user consent to changes — continued use of Microsoft products constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.

"We also share personal data among Microsoft-controlled affiliates and subsidiaries. We also share personal data with vendors or agents working on our behalf. We also use cookies from third parties to enhance the services on our sites. Companies that deliver content on Microsoft sites, such as videos or news, or ads, place cookies on their own."

Microsoft shares data extensively with affiliates, subsidiaries, vendors, third-party analytics providers, advertising partners, and game publishers — many of which can set their own cookies and collect data directly from users.

"Microsoft retains personal data for as long as necessary to provide the products and fulfill the transactions you have requested, or for other legitimate purposes such as complying with our legal obligations, resolving disputes, and enforcing our agreements. Because these needs can vary for different data types, the context of our interactions with you or your use of products, actual retention periods can vary significantly."

Microsoft provides no clear, fixed retention period for most data types, using vague criteria like "as long as necessary" that allow indefinite retention in practice.

"We combine data we collect from different contexts (for example, from your use of two Microsoft products) or obtain from third parties to give you a more seamless, consistent, and personalized experience, to make informed business decisions, and for other legitimate purposes. We also obtain data from third parties, including data brokers from which we purchase demographic data to supplement the data we collect."

Microsoft combines user data across its products, services, and third-party sources — including purchased data broker information — to build unified user profiles for personalization and advertising.

"After you submit the request to close your child's account, we will wait 60 days before permanently deleting the account in case you change your mind or need to access something on the account before it is permanently closed and deleted. During the waiting period, the account is marked for closure and permanent deletion, but it still exists."

Microsoft imposes a 60-day waiting period before permanently deleting accounts, during which the account and its data continue to exist in their systems.