Microsoft Outlook

"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 WiFi access points, and sensor data like step counts, which goes well beyond basic functionality requirements.

"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."

Microsoft collects location data through multiple methods including GPS, cell towers, WiFi hotspots, and IP address inference, enabling both precise and continuous location tracking.

"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 explicit mechanism for user consent to changes; continued use of products implies 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 for the purposes described in this statement. 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 broadly across affiliates, subsidiaries, vendors, and allows third-party cookies from analytics providers, social media companies, and advertisers to collect data directly from users on Microsoft sites.

"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 specific retention timelines for most data types, using vague language like 'as long as necessary' which effectively allows indefinite retention under broad justifications.

"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. These third-party sources vary over time and include: Data brokers from which we purchase demographic data to supplement the data we collect."

Microsoft combines user data across multiple products and contexts, and supplements it with data purchased from data brokers, creating unified cross-service profiles for advertising and personalization.

"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 Microsoft's systems.