By uploading or storing content in Microsoft services like OneDrive or Outlook, you give Microsoft a worldwide, royalty-free license to use, store, display, and process that content as needed to operate and improve its services.
This analysis describes what Microsoft's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology
The license enables Microsoft to perform core service functions including content storage, sharing at user direction, processing when content is combined with other services, and reformatting for display and transmission. The clause establishes the operational scope within which Microsoft may handle user-submitted content.
Any content you store in Microsoft services — including personal documents, photos, and emails — is subject to a broad license that allows Microsoft to use it in ways that extend to product improvement, creating privacy and intellectual property concerns for sensitive materials.
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You understand that by submitting Content to public areas of the Services, you are granting other Ancestry subscribers the right to view, and potentially share, your Content in connection with the Services.
When you enroll in and participate in a course or program, we share information about you with the Content Provider that offers the course or program. This may include information like your name, email address, course enrollment and activity, course completion, and other information related to your ...
We may share your personal information with our affiliates, meaning entities that control, are controlled by, or are under common control with Consensys. We also share information with service providers who assist in operating our services, subject to confidentiality obligations.
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"To the extent necessary to provide the Services to you and others, to protect you and the Services, and to improve Microsoft products and services, you grant to Microsoft a worldwide and royalty-free intellectual property license to use Content you provide to or store on Services. For example, we need the license to store your Content or share it when you direct us to. When Content is combined with other Services, we'll need the license to process, display, and store your Content. We also need the right to reformat, transmit, store, and display your Content if you provide feedback to Microsoft.— Excerpt from Microsoft's Microsoft Services Agreement (Legacy)
REGULATORY FRAMEWORK: This provision engages GDPR Arts. 6(1)(b) (processing necessary for performance of contract) and 6(1)(f) (legitimate interests) for EU users, as well as CCPA §1798.100 (right to know about data use) for California residents. The breadth of 'improve Microsoft products and services' as a stated purpose raises questions about whether adequate lawful basis exists under GDPR Art. 6 for all contemplated uses. The Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) is the lead supervisory authority for EU users. FTC Act Section 5 applies to U.S. users regarding unfair or deceptive representations about data use.
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The license enables Microsoft to perform core service functions including content storage, sharing at user direction, processing when content is combined with other services, and reformatting for display and transmission. The clause establishes the operational scope within which Microsoft may handle user-submitted content.
Any content you store in Microsoft services — including personal documents, photos, and emails — is subject to a broad license that allows Microsoft to use it in ways that extend to product improvement, creating privacy and intellectual property concerns for sensitive materials.
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