Protect fundamental rights
We support and advance people’s fundamental rights.
"We must work to ensure that AI technology is understood and that everyone can access its benefits."
— Teresa Hutson, Technology for Fundamental Rights Officer
Our actions
At Microsoft, protecting fundamental rights means promoting responsible business practices, expanding accessibility and connectivity, and advancing fair and inclusive societies.
Promote responsible business practices
We aspire to leadership in business and human rights and to serve as a catalyst for action by others in the tech sector and beyond.
Respect and promote human rights
We aspire to be leaders in human rights and a catalyst for action by others in the tech sector and beyond. We rely on international standards to ensure our business activities respect and promote human rights and that technology plays a positive role.
Supply chain integrity
Our global supply chain leans into responsible sourcing centered around the environment, people’s fundamental rights, ethics due diligence standards, and supplier risk management.
Expand accessibility and connectivity
Increasingly, internet access and accessible technology must be considered fundamental rights. Without them, people lack access to education, healthcare, jobs, and essential services.
Close the connectivity gap
Approximately 2.7 billion people globally do not have access to the internet. Our Airband Initiative brings affordable access to millions of people in unserved communities so they can participate in school, work, telehealth, and more.
Identify digital equity gaps in the US
Accurate mapping is essential to disburse broadband funds efficiently and maximize resources and investments in communities of highest need. This tool was designed to empower state agencies, nonprofits, and policymakers to identify regions within their state with significant digital equity gaps.
Expand accessibility and inclusion
We are committed to create and grow usage of accessible technology, expand skilling and hiring opportunities for people with disabilities, and advocate for policies that advance accessibility as a fundamental right.
Advance fair and inclusive societies
Microsoft endeavors to protect and advance democracy by promoting a healthy information ecosystem, safeguarding electoral processes, and advocating for corporate civic responsibility.
Protect the institutions of democracy
Our Democracy Forward initiative works to advance and protect democracy by safeguarding democratic processes, promoting a healthy information ecosystem, and working to enhance media literacy, civic engagement, and societal resilience to foreign influence operations.
Strengthen justice reform
We are using data, technology, and partnership to protect and advance the fundamental right to racial equity and fairness in the criminal legal system so communities can thrive.
Support higher educationÂ
We engage universities and academics to create a responsible technology ecosystem; advance research and innovation; and develop a robust and broadly diverse pipeline of talent.
 Address racial inequity
We're taking action to improve the lived experience of Black and African American communities. This starts with an investment in our own culture of inclusion and extends to how we strengthen our communities and drive progress to a more equitable justice system.
View more of our commitments
Expand opportunity
Earn trust
Advance sustainability
Progress toward a better future
As we work to help everyone achieve more, we're committed to improving our world and reporting our progress.
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