Microsoft Names First European Data Protection Officer

Microsoft has named Steve May as its first European Data Protection Officer (DPO), working from the firm's offices in Dublin.

In 2016, the EU approved a raft of data protection measures, which include strict requirements for data protection compliance and heavy fines for breaches. May (pictured) takes up his new position ahead of the new GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), which will govern the general use and privacy of EU citizens' data and will come into force in two months. He has spent more than two decades in engineering roles at Microsoft, and currently serves as a privacy leader in its Windows and Devices Group. Earlier roles focused on technology including servers, 'phones and Windows Analytics.

In his new position, May will report to Brendon Lynch, Microsoft's Chief Privacy Officer. Julie Brill, Corporate VP and Deputy General Counsel, comments: 'In recent years, Steve developed a passion for privacy and data protection and has been instrumental in implementing privacy by design in complex technical situations across our platforms. He has also been engaging with various external stakeholders to provide transparency in our practices and bring valuable insights back into the company. This will serve him well in his work as the DPO representing our customers' data protection needs and rights in assessing Microsoft's data processing on an ongoing basis, as well as supporting our ongoing engagement with European regulators relating to data protection matters'.

Web site: www.microsoft.com .