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EU Initiates Complaints Against Microsoft’s 365 Education Suite Over Privacy Concern

Leave a Comment / By / Education Community
News on Education 2 ArdorComm Media Group EU Initiates Complaints Against Microsoft's 365 Education Suite Over Privacy Concern

Microsoft is currently facing two complaints in the European Union (EU) regarding its online education software, 365 Education. According to a report by Reuters, the latest charges against the US-based tech giant have been brought to the Austrian privacy watchdog by the privacy advocacy group NOYB. The group has urged the Austrian Data Protection Authority to investigate these complaints and potentially impose a fine on Microsoft. What is Microsoft 365 Education Suite? During the COVID-19 pandemic, online educational programs gained popularity as schools transitioned to remote teaching. Microsoft’s 365 Education suite offers various tools for students, including Word, Excel, Microsoft Teams, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Complaints Against Microsoft’s 365 Education Suite First Complaint: The advocacy group NOYB alleged that Microsoft shifted the burden of complying with EU data privacy laws (GDPR) onto schools. According to NOYB, schools cannot adequately manage student data under these regulations. NOYB lawyer Maartje de Graaf stated: “Under the current system that Microsoft is imposing on schools, your school would have to audit Microsoft or give them instructions on how to process pupils’ data. Everyone knows that such contractual arrangements are out of touch with reality. This is nothing more but an attempt to shift the responsibility for children’s data as far away from Microsoft as possible.” Second Complaint: The second complaint centers around cookies installed in Microsoft’s 365 Education suite that advertisers use to track consumers. NOYB lawyer Felix Mikolasch expressed concerns: “Our analysis of the data flows is very worrying. Microsoft 365 Education appears to track users regardless of their age. This practice is likely to affect hundreds of thousands of pupils and students in the EU and EEA (European Economic Area).” EU’s Previous Warnings to Microsoft Last month, the EU warned Microsoft that it could impose a fine of up to 1% of its global annual revenue if it fails to provide requested information about the risks associated with its generative AI tools in the Bing search engine. In March, the EU asked tech giants, including Microsoft, to provide details on how they manage risks from AI tools. Microsoft has been accused of dodging questions about its “Copilot in Bing” and “Image Creator” features, which the EU fears may violate new laws by spreading misinformation and manipulating voters.  

Former Microsoft HR VP Chris Williams Advocates for Employee Freedom: Embracing Multiple Jobs and Personal Pursuits

Leave a Comment / By / Human Resource Community
9928d5e2 d8d8 415f 9af9 1b48bd797339 ArdorComm Media Group Former Microsoft HR VP Chris Williams Advocates for Employee Freedom: Embracing Multiple Jobs and Personal Pursuits

Chris Williams, the former Vice President of Human Resources at Microsoft, has advocated for the acceptance of employees engaging in multiple jobs. Williams, now a leadership advisor, conveyed a clear message to employers through an article published by Business Insider India, emphasizing that employers do not own the lives of their employees. Williams asserted that the concept of employees working multiple jobs is deeply ingrained in the fabric of the working world. He highlighted its prevalence by citing examples, including that of his mother who worked two jobs to support her children through college. The former HR head discussed the advantages of the work-from-home model, attributing its rise to the increased opportunity for individuals to pursue multiple jobs. He expressed that it is unrealistic for managers to believe their claim to employees’ time is exclusive. However, he acknowledged potential issues, particularly when employees work for competitors or misuse confidential information. Williams posed a crucial question for employers: whether the employee is effectively fulfilling their primary job responsibilities. He stressed that if an employee is underperforming, the focus should be on addressing the deficit and holding them accountable for deliverables. Furthermore, Williams emphasized that what employees do outside of work, unless it directly affects job performance, is not the employer’s concern. He urged employers to prioritize results and performance, stating that if an employee falls short, the focus should be on problem-solving rather than interference in their personal pursuits. Williams encouraged managers to celebrate the success of their employees, even acknowledging and appreciating their engagement in secondary jobs. The underlying theme of his message is the need for a results-oriented approach, valuing performance over personal matters outside the scope of employment.

Microsoft Enlists Former OpenAI CEO Sam Altman to Lead New Advanced AI Research Team

Leave a Comment / By / Human Resource Community
News on HR 21st Nov 2023 ArdorComm Media Group Microsoft Enlists Former OpenAI CEO Sam Altman to Lead New Advanced AI Research Team

Microsoft has made a significant move in the field of artificial intelligence (AI) by hiring former OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and co-founder Greg Brockman to lead a newly established advanced AI research team. This development was announced by Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, and it follows the recent appointment of Emmett Shear as CEO by OpenAI’s board, a decision that went against the wishes of some investors who sought the reinstatement of Sam Altman, a co-founder of OpenAI since its establishment in 2015. Satya Nadella expressed great excitement about the addition of Sam Altman and Greg Brockman to Microsoft, stating, “We’re extremely excited to share the news that Sam Altman and Greg Brockman, together with colleagues, will be joining Microsoft to lead a new advanced AI research team.” Nadella also hinted that the term “colleagues” suggests Microsoft might be planning to bring in other former OpenAI employees who departed over the weekend. Microsoft has invested significant financial resources in OpenAI, and Nadella emphasized the company’s ongoing commitment to its partnership with the startup. He mentioned, “We remain committed to our partnership with OpenAI and have confidence in our product roadmap, our ability to continue to innovate… and in continuing to support our customers and partners.” In response to the move, Sam Altman acknowledged his new role at Microsoft in a post on X, quoting Nadella and indicating continuity with the mission. Nadella responded by hinting at Altman’s role at Microsoft, noting the company’s experience in providing founders and innovators the space to build independent identities and cultures within the larger Microsoft ecosystem. He cited examples such as GitHub, Mojang Studios, and LinkedIn as instances where this approach has been successful. This strategic move by Microsoft not only bolsters its position in the AI research landscape but also reflects the dynamics of the tech industry, with companies actively seeking and securing top talent to drive innovation and advancements in artificial intelligence.

Microsoft Introduces Confidential ‘Impact Descriptors’ for Managerial Performance Assessments

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News on HR 11th Sept 2023 ArdorComm Media Group Microsoft Introduces Confidential ‘Impact Descriptors’ for Managerial Performance Assessments

Microsoft has introduced a confidential performance-rating system called ‘impact descriptors,’ specifically designed for use by managers and not disclosed to employees. These ratings play a crucial role in determining employee compensation and bonuses, which Microsoft refers to as ‘rewards.’ The company emphasizes that these descriptors are distinct from traditional performance ratings or labels associated with individual employees. These undisclosed ratings are intended to encourage a growth-oriented mindset. The impact descriptors consist of four categories: ‘Lower than Expected Impact (LITE),’ ‘Slightly Lower Impact than Expected (SLITE),’ ‘Successful Impact,’ and ‘Exceptional Impact.’ Each category is clearly defined in a guideline document to assist managers in their assessments. Employees in the ‘Lower than Expected Impact (LITE)’ category are those who consistently fall short of meeting expectations, lack a growth mindset, or do not align with Microsoft’s cultural values. In the ‘Slightly Lower Impact than Expected (SLITE)’ category are employees who occasionally miss expectations or display inconsistency in meeting cultural expectations but show a willingness to learn and improve. The ‘successful impact’ category includes employees who consistently meet or exceed expectations, embrace a growth mindset, and align with Microsoft’s cultural values. The ‘exceptional impact’ category is reserved for employees who consistently deliver exceptional results, surpass all expectations, demonstrate an outstanding growth mindset, and adhere to Microsoft’s cultural values. Managers are encouraged to evaluate and assess employee performance or ‘impact’ based on these impact descriptors, explaining how an employee has demonstrated a particular level of impact during the fiscal year. However, they are explicitly discouraged from using the acronyms LITE, SLITE, and so on, or converting the descriptors into ratings or labels. Microsoft’s managers are expected to utilize these descriptors solely as a guidance tool for assessing employee impact, facilitating reward decisions, and providing constructive feedback.

Microsoft fires 200 employees from its R&D projects and gives them 60 days to find other jobs

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HR news 13th Aug 2022 ArdorComm Media Group Microsoft fires 200 employees from its R&D projects and gives them 60 days to find other jobs

Microsoft reportedly fired 200 more employees soon after firing 1800 employees as part of a restructuring effort. This time, it has requested that members of its R&D team look for alternative positions inside the Company within two months or else be prepared to take a severance. This particular situation has an effect on even contract employees. This comes as a bit of a surprise as Microsoft announced plans to add more personnel soon at the same time it laid off the initial batch of 1800 employees. About 1% of the employees in consulting, customer, and partner solutions lost their jobs in the previous round. This time, the impacted staff members are from the company’s Modern Life Experiences (MLX) business, which was established roughly four years ago to concentrate on customer retention, reports Business Inside. In July, the software behemoth already reduced employment, citing a need for restructuring. According to recent reports, the software company is attempting to reduce expenses and costs. Employees have been instructed to cut back on spending on official gatherings, business travel, and outside training. According to media reports, managers have reportedly started paying for the food and beverages at team meetings out of their own pockets rather than billing the company for them. Companies seem to be halting or stopping recruiting and turning to layoffs due to a fear of a recession.

Microsoft partners with ONDC to accelerate the adoption of e-commerce across India

Leave a Comment / By / Governance Community
Gov news 10th Aug 2022 n ArdorComm Media Group Microsoft partners with ONDC to accelerate the adoption of e-commerce across India

Microsoft joined the government’s Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) on Tuesday in an effort to provide social e-commerce via its app in the Indian market. The internet giant plans to develop a shopping app for Indian consumers as well as their social network to get the best pricing among stores and sellers. According to T Koshy, MD and CEO of ONDC, Microsoft can quickly deploy its cutting-edge concepts, including social commerce, by using the strength of its open network users. By 2030, it is anticipated that the Indian e-commerce market would be worth $400 billion, expanding at a 19% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). “Initiatives like ONDC can be a game changer amid this boom. Their UPI-like network for digital commerce is a win-win for both buyers and sellers as it will enable them to connect without dependency on any eCommerce solution,” said a Microsoft spokesperson. By bringing online micro, small, and medium-sized businesses as well as small traders, the government is attempting to build the largest interoperable open platform with ONDC, a project similar to the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to support open networks. This is done in an effort to break up e-commerce monopolies and create a more democratic digital marketplace. Businesses like Dunzo for Business (D4B), Go Frugal, Paytm, Digit, PhonePe, and Loadshare are now part of the ONDC network. This month, the e-commerce site Snapdeal will make its ONDC debut.