Microsoft

Hessen Approves Microsoft 365 Use in Public Administration After Addressing Data Protection Concerns

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Hessen’s data protection authority has approved Microsoft 365 for public institutions after reaching legal solutions on data protection issues. The decision followed lengthy talks with Microsoft, but no technical audit. Now, most user data is processed in Europe, reducing concerns over US data transfers. The authority released guides and templates for GDPR compliance. Meanwhile, some German sectors and international organizations are shifting toward open-source alternatives for increased sovereignty. This approval provides legal certainty for German public sector organizations modernizing their digital systems.

https://themunicheye.com/hessen-approves-microsoft-365-public-sector-data-protection-29225

Microsoft Rolls Out Screen Capture Prevention for Teams Users

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Microsoft Teams introduces a “Prevent screen capture” feature for Premium users, blocking screenshots and recordings during meetings on Windows and Android. The feature is off by default and requires manual activation. Despite restrictions, sensitive content can still be photographed.

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/microsoft-rolls-out-screen-capture-prevention-for-teams-users/

Microsoft Product Roadmap Hints at ‘Agentic Users’ With Their Own M365 Licenses

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Microsoft’s upcoming M365 updates will introduce “Agentic Users,” autonomous AI agents with their own identities that can perform tasks such as attending meetings and communicating independently. These agents will require admin approval and new licensing for creation. Concerns arise about potential licensing complexities and managing an increase in agent deployments, which could lead to overspending and security risks. Analysts predict these changes could significantly enhance Microsoft’s revenue model by providing additional consumption-based licensing, promoting competition with other AI-driven productivity tools.

https://www.computerworld.com/article/4087533/microsoft-product-roadmap-hints-at-agentic-users-with-their-own-m365-licenses.html

M365 Copilot Data Processing Goes Local to Meet Sovereignty Demands

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Microsoft will process M365 Copilot data locally in 15 countries by utilizing regional data centers, addressing digital sovereignty concerns. The initiative begins in Australia, India, Japan, and the UK, expanding to other countries by 2026, aiming to enhance data governance and reduce latency for customers, especially in regulated industries.

https://www.computerworld.com/article/4085303/m365-copilot-data-processing-goes-local-to-meet-sovereignty-demands.html

Another European Agency Shifts Off Big Tech, as Digital Sovereignty Movement Gains Steam

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European agencies, like Austria’s Ministry of Economy, are increasingly migrating to open-source solutions (e.g., Nextcloud) to achieve digital sovereignty and control over sensitive data, distancing from US tech giants. This trend reflects broader efforts across Europe to manage data sovereignty, encourage local solutions, and ensure compliance with privacy regulations. While some migrations are successful, others face challenges requiring careful planning to avoid disruptions.

https://www.zdnet.com/article/another-european-agency-ditches-big-tech-as-digital-sovereignty-movement-gains-steam/

Microsoft Teams Can Record Office Presence From December

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Microsoft Teams will record workplace presence starting December 2025 by detecting connections to office Wi-Fi, aiming to aid hybrid work setups. The feature automatically sets user status based on their location, raising potential data privacy concerns and necessitating employee consent and management activation for use. Critics warn it could undermine trust in remote work practices, emphasizing the need for legal compliance under GDPR and labor laws.

https://www.heise.de/en/news/Microsoft-Teams-can-record-office-presence-from-December-10899943.html

Microsoft 365 Copilot Now Enables You to Build Apps and Workflows

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Microsoft 365 Copilot now lets employees quickly build apps, workflows, and AI agents with natural language prompts. New tools like App Builder, Workflows Agent, and Copilot Studio Lite enable users to create dashboards, automate recurring tasks, and develop work-focused agents. These features are fully integrated with Microsoft 365’s security and compliance standards, providing administrators with centralized controls for management.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/blog/2025/10/28/microsoft-365-copilot-now-enables-you-to-build-apps-and-workflows/

Microsoft Sued for Allegedly Forcing M365 Users to Pay for AI

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Microsoft is being sued in Australia for allegedly misleading users of its Microsoft 365 subscriptions into paying for its AI assistant, Copilot, by not disclosing a cheaper, non-AI “Classic” plan. The ACCC claims Microsoft hid this option, leading to price increases for many users. The lawsuit seeks penalties and consumer redress for what is characterized as misleading conduct, including claims that accepting AI features or facing a price increase were mandatory.

https://cyberinsider.com/microsoft-sued-for-allegedly-forcing-m365-users-to-pay-for-ai/

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