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Microsoft On the Issues

Microsoft On the Issues

Technology, Information and Internet

Redmond, Washington 83,135 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/

Industry
Technology, Information and Internet
Company size
10,001+ employees
Headquarters
Redmond, Washington
Specialties
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

  • “It is a race that no company or country can win by itself.” Earlier today, Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith testified before the United States Senate Commerce Committee on what it means to win the global AI race. He emphasized the importance of three key priorities for American leadership in AI: 👉 Winning the AI innovation race: The US must invest in massive datacenters, modernize the electrical grid, and train and recruit skilled labor like electricians and pipefitters to address the national shortage. Increasing federal support for research and partnerships—moving ideas from academic labs to industry and consumers—is needed to drive breakthroughs, uphold America’s position as a global scientific leader, and ensure that open access to public data empowers developers. 👉 Winning the AI diffusion race: This requires the US to equip the workforce across all sectors with the AI skills needed to be competitive, ranging from basic fluency in schools to advanced education in universities. Broad adoption across industries will boost productivity and help government agencies deliver more effective services to the public. 👉 Exporting AI to allies, ensuring reliable access to American AI technology and services: Global leadership depends on smart export strategies that balance national security with sustained international collaboration. Above all, we must uphold global trust in American innovation, industry, and leadership in order to lead the way in AI. Additionally, Microsoft is committed to supporting these priorities at every layer of the AI tech stack. We are investing in infrastructure, partnering with leading firms, and promoting responsible practices to grow the AI market on a long-term basis. Read Brad’s written testimony in its entirety: https://lnkd.in/gUer5DgA

    • A quote of Brad Smith at the hearing: “If the United States is going to succeed in leading the world in AI, it requires infrastructure, it requires success at the platform level, it requires people who create applications.”
  • AI is built on a tech stack—a layered system that starts with infrastructure like land, power, and chips, and extends to everyday applications used by businesses and consumers alike. Each layer represents opportunities for innovation, new jobs, and competition, and the entire stack must work seamlessly together. Here’s a breakdown of the three key layers and how they support economic growth across nearly every sector of the economy. 👇

    • Diagram titled 'The AI Tech Stack' showing three sections: Applications (AI-infused software applications, AI-powered devices), Platform (AI software platform components, Data, Foundation models), and Infrastructure (AI datacenters, Chips, Land, electricity, and connectivity)
  • Microsoft On the Issues reposted this

    View profile for Brad Smith
    Brad Smith Brad Smith is an Influencer

    Vice Chair and President at Microsoft Corporation

    I often sit down with Satya Nadella, my boss, and Microsoft’s third CEO—but rarely with microphones. In this episode of #ToolsAndWeapons, we talk about his journey from his early days playing cricket to leading Microsoft, the link between poetry and programming, and how the company is leading the next wave of technological transformation—redefining how we build and interact with technology. https://lnkd.in/eSx3R_vp

  • Cyber mercenaries are private actors who develop and sell hacking tools—like spyware, ransomware, and destructive malware—to governments, criminals, and private clients. Their tactics are growing more advanced—and more exposed. 🗞️ Headlines manipulated 📱 Devices breached 💰 Systems held for ransom 🧨 Infrastructure wiped 🛠️ Security tools repurposed for attacks These activities reveal how the cyber mercenary market is expanding with limited oversight—blurring the lines between legitimate cybersecurity work and harmful intrusion. At Microsoft, we’re helping bring these threats to light and supporting global efforts to close policy gaps, increase transparency, and protect critical systems.

    • Information warfare
Cyber mercenaries manipulate online content to shape public perception. 
Headlines are altered, posts are removed, and information is hidden from view.
    • Commercial spyware 
Body text: Devices are silently compromised to extract sensitive data. 
Once installed, spyware collects messages, contacts, photos, and more—without user awareness.
    • Ransomware 
Access to systems is blocked until a ransom is paid.
    • Destructive malware 
Malware is used to delete data and disable infrastructure
    • Dual-use tools repurposed 
Tools designed for cybersecurity testing are used to carry out attacks. 
These intrusions mimic legitimate activity—making them harder to detect and stop.
  • Microsoft ’s Digital Crimes Unit, in collaboration with global partners such as Europol, Japan’s Cybercrime Control Center, ESET, Cloudflare, Bitsight, and others, has disrupted the Lumma Stealer malware by taking down 1,300+ malicious domains. What is Lumma? It is a tool that has been widely used by cybercriminals to steal sensitive data, including passwords, credit card information, and cryptocurrency keys. Once cybercriminals have this information, they’ve been able to use it to hold schools for ransom, empty bank accounts, and disrupt critical services. By targeting the infrastructure that supported Lumma in coordination with international agencies, we’ve helped stop the spread of Lumma and made significant progress in reducing the reach of this malware protecting individuals and organizations from these widespread threats. We will continue to collaborate with our partners to stay ahead of cybercriminals and keep improving security for everyone. Learn more about this global collaboration and its impact: https://msft.it/6045SdNlF

  • Access to digital and AI skills is essential for workforce development and economic mobility. By offering online learning opportunities in communities across the country, we can create new career pathways for individuals - wherever they call home. In Wisconsin, the gener8tor Skills Accelerator program, a collaboration between gener8tor and Microsoft, is helping individuals—whether unemployed, transitioning careers, or seeking new opportunities—gain the in-demand digital skills and career support needed to secure high-quality jobs. By providing free, online rapid-skilling, workforce training, and job placement assistance, the program is preparing people so they can thrive in an AI-driven economy.

  • This year, Green Bay hosted both the NFL Draft and the TitletownTech Startup Draft, marking a significant moment in both sports and tech. Powered by Microsoft and the Green Bay Packers, the Startup Draft highlighted the brightest emerging companies in tech. TitletownTech, the Green Bay Packers, and Microsoft support companies that address industry challenges and help them grow, creating more jobs in America. In its first year, the TitletownTech Startup Draft selected two early-stage companies Ateios Systems and Ubicept , providing each a $1 million investment, $350K in Azure credits, and support to help them scale. The event brought together 600,000 fans and nearly 1,000 startups, showing that innovation can come from anywhere. We are proud to support startups and help entrepreneurs build impactful solutions. https://msft.it/6047SjlOz

  • We are on a mission to be carbon negative by 2030. To get there, we’re focusing on reducing our emissions across all 3 scopes. Why? By targeting all three, we are working to ensure a comprehensive approach to achieving carbon negative, aiming to influence not just our own operations but also the broader ecosystem. But what is the difference between Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions? We’re breaking them down and some of the steps we’re taking to reach our carbon goal. Addressing the different emission scopes requires partnership, systemic action, and long-term investments. At Microsoft, one area of focus is to build the markets necessary to decarbonize supply chains and the carbon-free electricity infrastructure to help us get there. Swipe through to learn more.🔽

  • Microsoft On the Issues reposted this

    View profile for Brad Smith
    Brad Smith Brad Smith is an Influencer

    Vice Chair and President at Microsoft Corporation

    The National Football League (NFL) Draft was created to level the playing field and make competition stronger across the league. This same spirit drives the TitletownTech Startup Draft, by offering innovators from across the nation a chance to elevate their companies to new heights. Discover how an unexpected idea from Green Bay, Wisconsin evolved into an innovative approach to inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs. https://lnkd.in/eXnHxifm  

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