Microsoft are updating the Microsoft Services Agreement, to clarify terms and ensure that they remain transparent for you, as well as to cover additional Microsoft products, services and features.
These updates, which are summarized below, will take effect on September 15, 2016. If you continue to use their products or services on or after September 15, 2016, you are agreeing to the updated terms of the Microsoft Services Agreement.
Microsoft are also updating the Microsoft Privacy Statement. These updates are described below, and are effective as of August 2, 2016.
What is the Microsoft Services Agreement?
The Microsoft Services Agreement is an agreement between you and Microsoft (or partners) that governs your use of Microsoft consumer online products and services.
Below are the most notable changes to the Microsoft Services Agreement:
- Coverage for additional services (like GroupMe and Group Messaging) and new functionality and features for covered services (like Skype, Bing and our Rewards program)
- Clarifications that your work or school account is covered by different terms
- Xbox now requires that you sign in at least every 5 years to keep your gamertag active
- Explanation of data storage limits for OneDrive and factors that could affect syncing and uploading to OneDrive services
You can also read summary of changes here
How do I accept these terms?
By using or accessing our products or services on or after September 15, 2016, you are agreeing to the updated Microsoft Services Agreement.
If you do not agree, you can choose to discontinue using the products and services, and close your Microsoft account before September 15, 2016.
What is the Microsoft Privacy Statement?
The Microsoft Privacy Statement explains in detail what personal data we collect from you when you use a Microsoft product or service, the ways we use that data, and the systems we have in place to keep your personal information safe
We encourage you to read the full Microsoft Privacy Statement so that you’re clear on what and how your data will be handled by Microsoft.
Microsoft brought together many separate privacy statements into a single Microsoft Privacy Statement covering most Microsoft consumer offerings to eliminate redundancies, improve usability, and increase clarity and transparency. Microsoft updated the Microsoft Privacy Statement in October 2015 and January 2016 to further consolidate different privacy notices.
The changes in Microsoft Privacy statement summarized on the Change History page available at Microsoft Privacy Statement Updates
Additional information about protecting your privacy is available at Privacy at Microsoft
How do I accept these terms?
These changes will take effect on August 2, 2016. If you continue to use our products or services on or after that date, you are agreeing to the updated terms of the Microsoft Privacy Statement.