Introduction 

Hotmail, now known as Outlook, falls under Microsoft's broader privacy policy. Microsoft emphasizes transparency, control, and security when handling personal data. It collects data to provide better services, including information you provide, data collected from your interactions and usage, and data from third-party services. 

The collected data helps in improving, personalizing, and securing your experience, besides enabling essential functionalities. Microsoft also implements strong measures to safeguard your data against unauthorized access, disclosure, or loss. The policy further outlines your rights and choices regarding your data and how you can access, control, or delete your information. 

The detailed provisions and practices concerning data processing are described comprehensively in the Microsoft Privacy Statement, which applies to Hotmail/Outlook among other Microsoft services. 

Hotmail’s privacy practices

The privacy practices and policies for Hotmail, which is now part of Microsoft's Outlook.com service, are integrated within the broader privacy framework of Microsoft. Here are some key points regarding privacy in the context of Hotmail/Outlook.com:

• Data Collection and Use: Microsoft collects data from users through interactions with them and via their products. The data collected can be provided directly by users or can be obtained by Microsoft through interactions, usage, and experiences with their products, like Hotmail. The personal data collected depends on the user's interactions with Microsoft, the choices they make, including their privacy settings, and the products and features they use. Microsoft uses this data to personalize user experiences, send marketing information, and provide personalized ads among other things​​​.

• Privacy Controls: Users have choices regarding the technology they use and the data they share with Microsoft. If a user declines to provide personal data, they may not be able to use certain products or features. Some data is required by law or for contractual purposes, and failing to provide such data may affect the user's ability to use the services​​.

• Data Privacy Frameworks: Microsoft complies with various international data privacy frameworks including the EU-U.S., UK Extension to the EU-U.S., and Swiss-U.S. Data Privacy Frameworks​​.

• Security Measures: Junk email and phishing are common threats, and users should be aware that junk email can contain harmful elements like viruses or links to malicious websites​​.

• Account Ownership: Users do not own their Hotmail accounts, and their data is stored on Microsoft's servers. This was highlighted in a case mentioned by Time, where it was noted that people using Outlook.com do not own their accounts​​.

• Policy Revisions: Microsoft has shown a willingness to revise its privacy policies regarding Hotmail, as seen in a case where they pledged to strengthen policies concerning the reading of Hotmail users' emails following public outcry​​.

• New Terms Acceptance (2023): It's noted in a user forum that there are new terms of use and privacy policies for Hotmail users effective after 15 March 2023, indicating that Microsoft updates its terms and privacy policies periodically​​.

How to contact Hotmail's privacy department? 

Contacting the privacy department of Hotmail, now known as Outlook, can be a bit circuitous as Microsoft handles privacy concerns for all of its services collectively. Here's a guide on how to reach out regarding privacy concerns:

• Microsoft Support: The primary channel for addressing privacy concerns is through Microsoft's support page. You might be directed to this page if you are inquiring about privacy-related issues. You can visit the support page at support.microsoft.com.

• Phishing or Fraudulent Account Reporting: If your concern revolves around phishing or a fraudulent Hotmail account, there's a procedure for reporting phishing emails if you have a Microsoft account email address like @outlook.com or @hotmail.com​​.

• Outlook Support regarding Hotmail account and privacy issues: You might need to sign in to Outlook.com to contact support regarding privacy issues​​.

• Legal and Privacy Offices: Microsoft provides postal mail addresses for their legal and privacy offices which may be used for privacy concerns. The address for privacy issues is: Microsoft Privacy, Microsoft Corporation, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, Washington 98052 USA.

Each of these channels may offer different levels of support or information concerning privacy issues with Hotmail/Outlook. It's advisable to go through Microsoft Support first, as they may be able to direct you to the appropriate department or provide the support you need.

How to delete your data from Hotmail?

According to their privacy policy, you can contact Hotmail through their customer care centre in order to make delete requests. PrivacyHawk can also help identify companies that have your personal data and makes it easy to mass delete yourself to reduce your digital footprint and reduce your risk of being targeted by scams, fraud, and identity theft. You can try it for free on the App Store today.