Microsoft 365 Copilot

"We also share personal data among Microsoft-controlled affiliates and subsidiaries, including for the purposes described in this privacy statement. We also share personal data with vendors or agents working on our behalf for the purposes described in this statement. We also obtain data from third parties. These third-party sources vary over time and include: Data brokers from which we purchase demographic data to supplement the data we collect."

Microsoft shares data broadly with affiliates, subsidiaries, vendors, and partners, and also purchases demographic data from data brokers to supplement its own data collection.

"For these purposes, we combine data we collect from different contexts (for example, from your use of two Microsoft products). For example, Microsoft Store uses information about the apps and services you use to make personalized app recommendations. We use cookies to collect data about your online activity and identify your interests so that we can provide advertising that is most relevant to you."

Microsoft combines data across multiple products, services, and contexts to build user profiles for personalization and advertising, and uses cookies and identifiers like MUID to track users across Microsoft sites and third-party properties.

"Location data. Data about your device's location, which can be either precise or imprecise. For example, 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 and imprecise location data through GPS, cell towers, Wi-Fi hotspots, and IP address inference, enabling comprehensive location tracking across devices.

"Device, connectivity, and configuration data. Data about your device, your device configuration, and nearby networks. For example, data about the operating systems and other software installed on your device, including product keys. In addition, IP address, device identifiers (such as the IMEI number for phones), regional and language settings, and information about WLAN access points near your device."

Microsoft collects extensive device data including installed software, product keys, IMEI numbers, nearby Wi-Fi networks, contacts, biometric data, and sensor data — much of which goes beyond what's needed for core product functionality.

"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 timelines and uses vague criteria like "as long as necessary" and "legitimate purposes," leaving retention periods effectively indefinite and at Microsoft's discretion.

"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 (indicated by the 'Last Updated' date) without any described mechanism for obtaining user consent to changes; continued use of products constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.

"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 time data continues to exist in their systems.