Microsoft has strengthened its data protection measures for European customers, announcing Monday that all cloud data stored by its clients in Europe will remain within the continent’s borders, managed exclusively under European law and local personnel.
The to assure data security is part of the tech giant’s efforts to address growing anxieties among European businesses and governments over the risks of sensitive data being transferred abroad, particularly to the United States.
The company’s latest policy ensures that customers will maintain full control of their data, while any maintenance or remote access by Microsoft engineers will require real-time approval and oversight by staff based in Europe.
The announcement follows Microsoft’s earlier commitment in April to bolster the security of its European cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure and adhere to new regulations that seek to curb the dominance of large technology firms.
As part of this initiative, Microsoft also unveiled details of its sovereign private cloud, which is now in preview and scheduled for broader rollout later this year.
