Last week, Microsoft faced harsh criticism for accessing a former employee’s Hotmail account on the lead that it contained “stolen Microsoft source code.”  In response to this backlash, Smith announced Microsoft’s new privacy policy.  He said if they find evidence that “someone is using our services to traffic in stolen intellectual or physical property from Microsoft…we will refer the matter to law enforcement if further action is required.”

Post-Snowden era

Smith said while Microsoft was within its rights to investigate the Hotmail account, he accepted that “we’ve entered a ‘post-Snowden era’ in which people rightly focus on the ways others use their personal information” and there is a need for policy change.  Microsoft plans eminently to create a binding policy stating they will use law enforcement to handle any more suspected foul play against the company.  Source: TechNet