Microsoft strengthens data protection measures in Europe with 'Data Guardian'

The technology giant Microsoft has announced that it will protect its European operations through the introduction of a new 'Data Guardian' provision. This measure is intended to ensure that access to its systems can be controlled exclusively by employees of the company within the region. Microsoft emphasizes that its existing EU data boundary already represents a leading commitment to storing and processing data on infrastructure located in Europe. The new 'Data Guardian' is intended to provide an additional layer of security by ensuring that only European Microsoft employees have remote access control over these systems. This decision implies enhanced control, especially when engineers outside Europe require access. Already in April, Microsoft President Brad Smith emphasized in a blog post that the company aims to increase its data center capacity in Europe by 40% within the next two years. In doing so, Microsoft is keen to keep data and operations geographically close by building AI and cloud data centers. Although Microsoft shares show little movement in pre-market trading, they have recorded a 12% increase since the beginning of the year.