Weeks after getting caught in disputes, Microsoft revamps its…, unveils new set of digital commitments for…

The company stated that its renewed privacy and data protection protocols are aligned with India's regulatory standards.

Weeks after becoming entangled in a legal dispute over the suspension of email services to a Russia-linked refinery, Microsoft Corp has overhauled its compliance framework, unveiling a new set of digital commitments tailored for India.

In July, following the European Union’s sanctions on India-based Nayara Energy for its Russian connections, Microsoft—apparently acting in line with internal protocols—halted email and other services to the company. Nayara Energy subsequently filed a lawsuit in the Delhi High Court, after which Microsoft restored the services before the hearing took place.

To prevent similar incidents in the future, the company has introduced enhanced review procedures, jurisdiction-specific safeguards, and greater transparency measures.

Microsoft On New Compliance Framework

“In support of national priorities, Microsoft has introduced a set of governance measures designed to modernise our compliance framework and reaffirm our role as a reliable, long-term partner to the public sector and critical infrastructure domains, including healthcare, energy, telecommunications, and financial services.

“These actions demonstrate our proactive approach to responsible technology and regulatory collaboration. To translate this approach into action, Microsoft is introducing a set of concrete measures designed for India’s unique needs,” Microsoft said in a blog post.

New measures include the establishment of a Microsoft Public Sector and Critical Infrastructure Customer Council to enhance collaboration with sectors like energy, healthcare, and financial services.

Chaired by Microsoft India and South Asia President Puneet Chandok, the council will serve as a platform to enable dialogue on technology, policy, and contractual matters.

The compliance overhaul also features risk-based review protocols with validation checkpoints, escalation pathways, and cross-functional oversight to ensure proportionate and legally robust actions.

Microsoft Introduces New Measures

Additionally, Microsoft has introduced contractual transparency and customer assurance measures, committing to notify clients of any foreign government orders mandating service suspension and seeking legal remedies to protect service continuity.

“Microsoft remains steadfast in its commitment to making India AI-first with trust, transparency, and collaborative governance.

“We welcome continued dialogue and reaffirm our dedication to strengthening India’s digital ecosystem with integrity, stability, security, and a shared purpose to accelerate India’s AI-first future,” said Mike Yeh, Regional Vice President, Corporate External and Legal Affairs, Microsoft Asia. 

(With Inputs From PTI)