Microsoft is taking steps to ensure the reliability of its cloud services by imposing additional limitations on activities such as bitcoin mining.
The Register reported on December 15 that Microsoft has secretly halted cryptocurrency mining from its online services to secure its consumers and cloud infrastructure better.
The corporation added additional limits to its Microsoft Online Services universal licensing conditions. Microsoft revised its acceptable usage policy on December 1 to explain that crypto mining without prior Microsoft permission is banned.
Microsoft said in the “Acceptable Use Policy” section that users must now get written consent from the firm before using any Microsoft Online Services for crypto mining.
Microsoft reportedly stated that its latest crypto mining restrictions protect online services from cyber fraud, attacks, and unauthorised access to customer resources. It allegedly warned that it might request authorisation to mine crypto for security testing and research.
Microsoft quietly updates its TOS to prohibit crypto mining on Azure and other services without “prior written approval”, citing “disruption or even impairment” (@ssharwood / The Register)https://t.co/Tt1wJ56weohttps://t.co/mizoPdx9WK
— Techmeme (@Techmeme) December 15, 2022
Microsoft Online Services is a component of the firm’s software when service strategy and consists of hosted software. Microsoft’s Azure cloud computing network is reported to provide crypto mining on some subscription levels. Microsoft experimented with blockchain services on Azure but discreetly cancelled its Azure Blockchain Service project in September of last year.
Some sources indicate that Microsoft’s cloud computing platforms have experienced significant capacity shortages in recent years owing to ongoing supply-chain constraints. According to reports, the number of Azure data centres is projected to stay limited until early 2023.
By implementing the new limits, Microsoft joins many other cloud computing companies, like Google, which restricts users from mining cryptocurrencies without prior written approval. Other platforms, such as Oracle, have outlawed cloud mining, while Digital Ocean demands written permission.
Cloud mining is an alternate way of crypto investment for users to mine cryptocurrencies without the need for mining equipment or gear via a remote data centre with pooled computing power. According to the Blockchain Council, cloud mining is one of the most profitable ways to mine cryptocurrencies since it does not need users to pay for equipment or associated fees.
The announcement comes when the mining business is facing a big issue owing to the current crypto winter, with several miners on the brink of bankruptcy due to a lack of funds.
