AI adoption is accelerating, but the real question is whether people and institutions are ready to keep pace. This month’s Spotlight on AI looks at the human leadership shaping that trajectory. We introduce the first book from the AI Economy Institute Fellows, dive into fresh data on the AI skills gap, and share new stories from educators, researchers, and the AI for Good Lab. Together, they paint a picture of an AI future built on confidence, capability, and accessibility. What’s inside: 🤝 A first look at the Fellows’ perspectives on work, learning, and human strengths in the age of AI ⚡️Microsoft’s Community-First AI Infrastructure plan 📊 New findings from the latest AI diffusion report 💡 Innovations from Microsoft researchers and the AI for Good Lab accelerating impact worldwide Read and subscribe to stay informed each month. 📩
Microsoft On the Issues
Technology, Information and Internet
Redmond, Washington 90,989 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/
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https://blogs.microsoft.com/on-the-issues/
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- Technology, Information and Internet
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- 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
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Microsoft is taking legal action to disrupt a global cybercrime service fueling millions in fraud losses around the world. What RedVDS is and why it matters: RedVDS provided low‑cost virtual machines that criminals used to send large volumes of phishing emails and gain unauthorized access to Microsoft email accounts across regions. RedVDS activity since September 2025: 🔹 More than 191,000 Microsoft email accounts compromised or accessed fraudulently 🔹 Impact across over 130,000 organizations worldwide 🔹 Highest concentrations in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France and India In just one month, more than 2,600 distinct RedVDS virtual machines sent an average of one million phishing messages per day to Microsoft customers alone. While most were blocked as part of the 600 million cyberattacks Microsoft stops daily, a small percentage may have reached inboxes. Microsoft filed civil lawsuits in the United States and the United Kingdom to seize the domains powering the RedVDS marketplace and obtain information about its operators and users. German authorities seized the backend server behind the marketplace, and Microsoft is partnering with Europol to target the broader network of servers and payment systems supporting RedVDS customers. As services like RedVDS continue to emerge, Microsoft will keep working with partners across sectors and borders to identify and disrupt the infrastructure behind cyber‑enabled fraud, making it harder for criminals to profit and easier for people and organizations to stay safe online: https://msft.it/6042t7nDA
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Microsoft today is launching a new initiative to build what we call Community-First AI Infrastructure— a commitment to do work differently than some others, and to do it responsibly. This commits us to the concrete steps needed to be a good neighbor in the communities where we build, own, and operate our datacenters. It reflects our sense of civic responsibility as well as a broad and long-term view of what it will take to run a successful AI infrastructure business. In short, we will set a high bar. ➡️ Swipe through to explore our approach and read more about how we’re putting them into action in communities across the country. https://msft.it/6047tAnlS
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As the risk to today’s encryption becomes more visible, governments and industry are accelerating plans for post quantum readiness. This shared urgency sets the foundation for what comes next. Microsoft is supporting this global effort by bringing post quantum cryptography into our products and services. This includes: 🔹 Updating core encryption engines 🔹 Enabling readiness in Windows and Azure Linux 🔹 Contributing to global guidelines led by NIST and ISO for the move to post quantum security This year's Microsoft Digital Defense Report expands on these themes by outlining how global stakeholders are approaching quantum readiness, the risks driving momentum, and the collective steps needed to strengthen security in the years ahead. Explore the report: https://msft.it/6043tNRrV
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New diffusion data from the second half of 2025 shows that global AI use kept rising, but unevenly. What to know from Microsoft’s AI Economy Institute: 👉One in six people worldwide used generative AI in H2 2025 (16.3%), up +1.2 pp from H1. 👉The Global North reached 24.7% adoption vs. 14.1% in the Global South: adoption in the Global North grew nearly twice as fast as in the Global South. 👉The UAE continue to leads in AI diffusion at 64.0%, with Singapore at 60.9%. Countries pairing digital infrastructure, skilling, and government adoption continue to surge. 👉Though strong in innovation and infrastructure, the U.S. fell to 24th in usage (28.3%), underscoring the need to translate innovation into everyday use. We’re focused on the essential building blocks of AI diffusion including connectivity, skills, language access, and responsible deployment, so AI benefits every community. Read the full report: https://msft.it/6041tN0kH
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AI adoption continues to grow, but so does the gap between the Global North and Global South. Why? And what will it take to close the divide? The answer involves a complex analysis of the building blocks of AI from electricity access to skilling and infrastructure. Microsoft Vice Chair and President, Brad Smith recently sat down with Chief Data Scientist Juan M. Lavista Ferres to unpack the current state of global AI usage, the data behind Microsoft's latest AI Diffusion Report, and what the AI race really means as a user and policymaker. Listen to the full episode: aka.ms/toolsandweapons
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As we enter a new year, we’re reaffirming a core commitment: technology must be worthy of the trust people place in it. What does that mean? Building experiences grounded in respect, integrity, and accountability, and being transparent about the choices behind the technology we create. In 2026, you can expect Microsoft to continue advancing responsible innovation through: 🔒 Safety, security, and privacy by design 🔍 Responsible AI governance and clear accountability 🛡️ Digital safety and human rights protections ♿ Accessibility and inclusion as foundational, not optional As AI becomes more embedded in daily life and work, our responsibility grows. We’re dedicated to earning trust not once, but continuously—through standards, safeguards, and a people-first approach that strengthens confidence in technology. Learn more: https://msft.it/6043t2ecX
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Myths can stall climate progress, but facts can move markets. At our Climate Innovation Fund (CIF) Summit, we asked partners and sustainability experts to set the record straight on some of the biggest misconceptions they are seeing in the field. Watch the conversation with Charm Industrial, Molg, Concrete Transition Capital, and Energy Impact Partners, and explore how the CIF helps scale these solutions: https://msft.it/6042tSu9o
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Microsoft On the Issues reposted this
The future of #AI is being built through strong partnerships, trusted technology, and local talent. CNN's Intelligent Future spotlights Microsoft’s growing role in advancing AI and cloud innovation in the UAE and across the Middle East. Our recent $15.2 billion USD investment in the UAE reflects our long-term commitment to the region, not only in cloud infrastructure, but in people, trust, and responsible AI. In his conversation with Becky Anderson, Brad Smith shares that this work is about enabling sustainable innovation that drives real economic growth and regional collaboration. The Middle East continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of technology, and we’re proud to be part of that journey. https://lnkd.in/dbu4CF8n #MicrosoftMEA #AI #DigitalTransformation #UAE Carol Ann Browne, Samer Abu-Ltaif, Amr Kamel
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Microsoft On the Issues reposted this
Communities throughout Washington state are experiencing severe flooding, which is having a profound effect on families, homes, and vital infrastructure. Many of our colleagues, friends, and neighbors are experiencing these challenges firsthand. We’re deeply grateful to our first responders and those on the front lines working tirelessly to keep our community safe and strong. In response to this crisis, Microsoft and our employees are donating to the American Red Cross and to local organizations across the region on the front lines of relief. Even in the hardest moments, this community proves its resilience—and we’ll continue to stand with it. Washington has always been a place where innovation meets purpose. As the floodwaters recede and the process of recovery unfolds, we will continue to show up and support our home community. I encourage everyone who can to continue assisting with response and recovery efforts, as every contribution makes a meaningful difference.