- The update in Microsoft’s service policies prohibits cryptocurrency in its cloud without prior permission.
- Permissions may be considered “for testing and research purposes for security detections.”
- Firms like Google and Amazon Web Services have taken similar restrictive measures towards cryptomining while Oracle has banned mining of cloud assets altogether.
This December 1 I enter the new service policy of Microsoft where they will prevent their clients from crypto mining in their cloud services without prior permission.
Microsoft’s goal is to increase the stability of its cloud services and, for this, it has decided to establish new restrictions for crypto mining.
Microsoft seeks to protect its cloud
The new regulation regarding crypto mining is part of its universal license terms for Microsoft Online Services and it specifically reads that:
“Neither Customer, nor those who access an Online Service through Customer, may use an Online Service… to mine cryptocurrency without Microsoft’s prior written approval.“.
The only explanation that Microsoft offered regarding the new regulation resides in their quest to protect the online services they offer from risks such as cyber fraud, attacks, and unauthorized access to customer resources.
“We made this change to further protect our customers and mitigate the risk of interruption or deterioration of services in Microsoft Cloud.”the update reads.
And, who can apply for permission to mine cryptocurrencies? Well, according to Microsoftpermissions may be considered “for testing and research purposes for security detections.”
He is not the first to turn his back on crypto mining
During the last few years, many companies have decided to move away from cryptocurrency mining for multiple reasons. As an example, Google has a policy very similar to the one recently established by Microsoft that prohibits crypto mining without prior permission from the company.
LikewiseAmazon Web Services made the decision to ban crypto mining during the company’s 12-month free trial. Subsequently, customers who choose to mine crypto on AWS will be required to pay a special fee under the possibility of having their accounts suspended.
And, while these service providers have put in place what appears to be a half-baked ban, others like Oracle have decided to root out the problem and outright ban crypto mining altogether.
For those who may be unfamiliar with the term, cloud mining is a method of mining cryptocurrency through the rental of processing resources from a service provider. The main advantage of this method is that miners do not have to worry about the noise, temperature or energy costs of the activity.
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