Microsoft to Let Foreign Customers to Store Data Overseas

Microsoft Corp. will allow overseas customers to have their personal data stored outside the U.S., a response to concerns about allegations of U.S. government spying, Microsoft General Counsel Brad Smith said yesterday.

Smith told the Financial Times in an interview at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, that while other companies oppose the idea, it’s become necessary following leaks about the U.S. National Security Agency’s data-collection programs. A spokeswoman at Microsoft confirmed his comments.