Microsoft · Microsoft Services Agreement (Legacy)

Code of Conduct and Content Moderation

Medium severity
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What it is

When using the services, you must follow our Code of Conduct, which prohibits, among other things, content that is offensive, harmful, hateful, obscene, or promotes illegal activity. We reserve the right to remove content or restrict access to the services for violations without notice.

Why it matters

This provision gives Microsoft broad discretion to moderate content and restrict account access based on subjective determinations of what is 'offensive' or 'harmful,' with no advance notice requirement or formal appeals process specified in the agreement.

Consumer impact

Microsoft's Services Agreement governs all major consumer Microsoft products and contains provisions that materially limit consumer rights, including mandatory arbitration and a class action waiver for US users, a broad content license that allows Microsoft to use anything you post or store, and a unilateral right to suspend or terminate accounts with limited notice. Consumers face significant data exposure through Microsoft's broad collection and use practices across services, and limited financial recourse given liability caps set at the amount paid in the prior 12 months. You can opt out of arbitration by mailing written notice to Microsoft Corporation, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052 within 30 days of first accepting the agreement.

Applicable agencies

  • FTC
    The FTC has authority to investigate whether content moderation practices that result in account termination without notice or appeal constitute unfair or deceptive practices under Section 5.
    File a complaint →

Provision details

Document information
Document
Microsoft Services Agreement (Legacy)
Entity
Microsoft
Document last updated
March 5, 2026
Tracking information
First tracked
March 5, 2026
Last verified
April 4, 2026
Record ID
CA-P-000017
Document ID
CA-D-00002
Evidence Provenance
Source URL
Wayback Machine
SHA-256
0099b077a7c627b606b6d557b5e892880a2254bab6659c33dc99032a0dd51bdd
Verified
✓ Snapshot stored   ✓ Change verified
How to Cite
ConductAtlas Policy Archive
Entity: Microsoft | Document: Microsoft Services Agreement (Legacy) | Record: CA-P-000017
Captured: 2026-03-05 09:35:26 UTC | SHA-256: 0099b077a7c627b6…
URL: https://conductatlas.com/platform/microsoft/microsoft-services-agreement-legacy/code-of-conduct-and-content-moderation/
Accessed: April 4, 2026
Classification
Severity
Medium
Categories

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