The Microsoft Digital Defense Report 2025 highlights how governments are raising cybersecurity standards, advancing policy recommendations, and building international partnerships to deter cyber mercenaries and nation-state threats—including ransomware and data theft. Recent policy developments reflect a shift from voluntary guidelines to enforceable rules—driving accountability, transparency, and resilience across sectors. As organizations and policymakers respond to increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, collaboration and adaptability are essential for protecting people, data, and critical infrastructure. Explore how policy is shaping a safer, more resilient digital future in our latest report: https://msft.it/6045tyy0f
Microsoft On the Issues
Technology, Information and Internet
Redmond, Washington 88,977 followers
News & perspectives on today's pressing tech issues, AI, sustainability, security and more for #Microsoft. 👇
About us
News and perspectives on the future of tech, public policy and philanthropic topics for #Microsoft. ➡️ https://blogs.microsoft.com/on-the-issues/
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https://blogs.microsoft.com/on-the-issues/
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- technology, government affairs, AI and Data, privacy, cybersecurity, tech news, tech issues, accessibility, diversity and inclusion, sustainability, digital skilling, AI, Affordable Housing, Public Affairs, tech executives, responsible AI, and AI ethics
Updates
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Microsoft is proud to announce the newest cohort of TechSpark Fellows—local leaders dedicated to driving digital transformation and economic opportunity in their communities. Through the TechSpark Fellows program, nonprofit innovators such as Illinois Science and Technology Coalition , Climb Wyoming , Compudopt are embarking on their TechSpark journey and will work alongside their communities to identify opportunities where technology can spark innovation and accelerate economic growth. This year’s TechSpark Fellows represent a diverse range of organizations and regions, each working to expand access to digital skills, support workforce development, and foster inclusive growth. Their efforts reflect our commitment to empowering communities through technology and partnership. Learn more about the TechSpark Fellows program and how these leaders are helping build a more inclusive digital future: https://msft.it/6046tyOm8
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At Microsoft, we’re passionate about building a more sustainable future, one device at a time. The pace of tech innovation is accelerating, and with that comes a big responsibility: rethinking how we design, use, and recover electronics. As a manufacturer and operator using various goods, we apply circular economy principles across our operations. Our framework, which centers on Reduce, Reuse, and Recover, focuses on minimizing waste, promoting material reuse, and recovering resources to meet our 2030 goals. By extending product lifecycles, facilitating repairs, and reclaiming materials, we reduce electronic waste and limit our environmental impact. From applying circular economy design principles to products and providing convenient take-back programs to investing in recover systems and teaming up with industry leaders, we’re pushing the boundaries of what responsible electronics management looks like. Explore Microsoft’s commitment to sustainable, circular technology: https://msft.it/6048tDCgM
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AI is transforming economies—but not equally. Our AI Diffusion Report highlights what’s driving progress and what’s holding it back. Here are a few key findings: ● 1.2 billion people are using AI today, but 4 billion aren’t engaged because of gaps in connectivity, skills, and infrastructure. ●Adoption is uneven: 23% in the Global North, 13% in the Global South, with the biggest gaps in lower-income countries. ●Language inclusion matters. When tools don’t support local languages, adoption lags—even if other conditions are strong. ●Countries like UAE, Singapore, Norway, and Ireland show what’s possible when infrastructure and policy work together. Swipe through the data, and read the full report here: 👉 https://msft.it/6042tGkRu
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Microsoft On the Issues reposted this
Microsoft is investing $15.2 Billion USD in the UAE by 2029 to drive technology, talent, and trust. This reflects a shared vision for AI innovation, economic growth, and ensuring that the benefits of AI are diffused broadly. Microsoft is committed to the future of the UAE and the strong ties between our two nations. https://lnkd.in/ecjR5dmb
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At Microsoft , pro bono work is more than a commitment—it’s a responsibility to help communities access justice and opportunity. Our volunteers collaborate with partners and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to address real challenges, from supporting children’s rights to empowering job seekers and refugees. Through initiatives like Justice in Action sprints, employees use technology and legal expertise to strengthen protections for those whose lives are very different from our own. These efforts inform policy, advance advocacy, and create pathways to lasting change. Microsoft’s global pro bono program demonstrates how technology and collaboration can drive progress for communities worldwide. https://msft.it/6040tD4HC
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Microsoft TechSpark is partnering with TitletownTech and the New Jersey AI Hub to launch a new collaboration to accelerate scientific discovery. With this partnership, Microsoft will provide TitleTownTech and the NJ AI Hub lab researchers and startups with access to Microsoft Discovery, an agentic AI platform designed for transparent, iterative scientific exploration, along with high-performance computing resources. This collaboration combines local innovation, university expertise, and Microsoft technology to accelerate breakthroughs in chemistry, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and clean energy, ensuring local communities have access to cutting-edge AI tools. This partnership builds on eight years of TechSpark’s work driving economic development and digital skills, with more than $700M invested in communities and 4,500+ jobs created. Learn more about how this new partnership is advancing research and innovation: https://msft.it/6044tDoYC
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Early detection of cancer saves lives, and AI is showing real promise in improving breast cancer screening by bringing greater clarity, accuracy, and trust to one of healthcare’s most challenging areas. For Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this edition of Spotlight on AI is covering how: 🧬 Microsoft’s AI for Good Lab is advancing AI models to make MRI breast cancer screening smarter and more accurately detect anomalies. 🤝 Global collaboration on the first federated AI platform is unlocking new insights and accelerating progress in cancer research 🧑🔬Leading experts are thinking about AI’s potential, scientific rigor, and its role in advancing cancer care Subscribe to stay informed on how AI is creating real-world impact and shaping future policy 📩
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We recently held our annual Climate Innovation Fund Summit, providing a unique opportunity for global leaders, innovators, and partners to connect, share ideas, and unite to scale breakthrough solutions for a sustainable future. We decided to ask a few attendees: “What makes you a climate optimist?” Their answer: the people, being in nature, and seeing technology in action. Featuring leaders from Microsoft, Energy Impact Partners, Molg, Concrete Transition Capital, and Charm Industrial. 📼
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Alexandra Gerst, Senior Corporate Counsel at Microsoft’s Digital Crimes Unit, shares expert insights on the evolving cybercrime economy—where threat actors operate like businesses, leveraging global marketplaces and service models to launch attacks that disrupt organizations and economies. Alexandra highlights how cybercrime is projected to cost the global economy over $10 trillion in 2025. Breaking the criminal business model—by targeting infrastructure, cutting off revenue streams, and building public-private partnerships—is essential for resilience. Explore how Microsoft is collaborating with governments, law enforcement, and organizations worldwide to shift the risk-reward balance and strengthen digital defenses. https://msft.it/6045tBUjT