142 FEATURE interact with data and AI tools. Arthur recommends following the principles and best practices outlined in Microsoft’s AI governance framework, Responsible AI Standard and its Secure Future Initiative. “Microsoft is working with AI experts and policymakers around the world to help shape and share effective implementation practices to ensure our customers use AI ethically and compliantly,” he says. “We make all of this information available publicly – for example in our online Microsoft Trust Center – to help governmental organisations navigate the ever-changing regulatory landscape and protect their systems, employees and the public. All of Microsoft’s AI solutions have been designed following these standards, so they have built-in data security, governance and sovereignty capabilities to combat ever-evolving threats.” Microsoft is also developing new cloud sovereignty solutions to alleviate organisations’ concerns about data security and privacy when introducing AI solutions. In June 2025, for example, it expanded the Microsoft Cloud for Sovereignty with the new Sovereign Public Cloud and Sovereign Private Cloud, which will be available to all European customers in all existing European data centre regions. This will ensure customer data stays in Europe, governed by European Law, with operations, access and encryption controlled by European personnel. “The Sovereign Private Cloud is designed specifically for governments, critical industries and regulated sectors that need to meet the highest standards of data residency, operational autonomy and disconnected access,” says Arthur. “This is just one example of how Microsoft is working to increase digital sovereignty for governmental organisations and allay their fears about data protection so they can reap the benefits of AI.” The results of a pilot study in the UK suggests civil servants could save two hours per week every year by using Microsoft 365 Copilot to assist with basic administrative tasks Photo: Unsplash/heidi-fin
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