Privacy Policy

1. Who we are

This website is The Microsoft Cloud Blog, operated by Richard Hogan, available at themicrosoftcloudblog.com. It is an independent publication covering Microsoft Azure, cloud computing, and enterprise technology. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by Microsoft Corporation.

For any privacy-related queries, contact: richard.hogan@themicrosoftcloudblog.com

2. What data we collect

We collect only what is necessary to operate this site:

• Email address — only if you choose to subscribe to the newsletter, podcast updates, or all-content notifications. Providing your email is entirely voluntary.
• Subscription preferences — which content types you opted in to (newsletter, podcast, or all updates).
• Anonymous visitor data — we record page views, referral sources, and approximate session information using a privacy-first, first-party analytics system. No personally identifiable information is collected. No cookies are used for tracking. A random anonymous visitor ID is stored in your browser's localStorage.

We do not use Google Analytics, Facebook Pixel, or any other third-party tracking or advertising technology.

3. How we use your data

• Email address — used solely to send you the content types you subscribed to. We will never use it for advertising, sell it, or share it with any third party.
• Analytics data — used only to understand how content performs (e.g. which articles are read, where visitors come from). All data is anonymous and aggregated.

4. How we store your data

Subscriber email addresses and preferences are stored securely in Microsoft Azure Blob Storage (EU region). Access is restricted to this application only. Data is not retained for longer than necessary.

Emails are sent via SMTP2GO, a third-party transactional email service. Your email address is transmitted to SMTP2GO solely for the purpose of sending you the email you requested. SMTP2GO's privacy policy is available at smtp2go.com/privacy.

5. Your rights

You have the right to:

• Know what personal data we hold about you
• Request correction of inaccurate data
• Request deletion of your data at any time
• Withdraw consent (unsubscribe) at any time

To unsubscribe, visit the unsubscribe page or click the unsubscribe link in any email we send you. To request deletion of all data, email richard.hogan@themicrosoftcloudblog.com.

6. Cookies

This site does not use cookies for tracking or advertising. The only browser storage used is localStorage for an anonymous visitor ID (analytics) and session authentication state for the admin area.

7. Third-party links

Articles on this site may link to external websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites and recommend you read their privacy policies.

8. Changes to this policy

We may update this policy from time to time. The “last updated” date at the top of this page will reflect any changes. Continued use of the site after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.