Microsoft’s Response to Business & Human Rights Resource Centre

April 19, 2023

Thank you for your email on the 14th of April 2023 regarding Microsoft’s announcement of its intention to invest in a new cloud datacenter region in Saudi Arabia.

A new cloud datacenter region in Saudi Arabia would be consistent with Microsoft’s commitment to protecting fundamental rights and include a focus on responsible cloud practices including security, privacy, compliance, and transparency as well as adherence to Microsoft’s values and principles. Respecting human rights is a core value of Microsoft and grounded in the principle proclaimed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that “all persons are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” It aligns with our mission to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. We draw your attention to our commitment to the Trusted Cloud Principles and our approach for operating datacenters in countries or regions with human rights challenges. Human Rights Watch also included these links in its publication