Accusations have been hurled at Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) by the advocacy group None of Your Business (NOYB), alleging that the tech giant has shifted the burden of children’s personal data onto schools ill-equipped to handle it. This complaint is just the latest in a string of grievances levied against Microsoft by critics and campaigners.
Allegations Against Microsoft Unpacked
According to NYOB, Microsoft has been accused of passing on its General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) responsibilities to schools that lack the necessary expertise. NOYB lawyer Maartje de Graaf has argued that expecting schools to oversee Microsoft or educate them on data processing is impractical. The GDPR is a crucial information privacy regulation in the European Union and the European Economic Area.
Furthermore, NYOB’s second complaint zeroes in on cookies present in Microsoft’s 365 Education suite, claiming that these cookies seem to “track users regardless of their age.” Typically, cookies are utilized by advertisers for consumer tracking purposes.
Evaluating Microsoft Stock: Buy or Sell?
Despite the legal woes, analysts continue to be optimistic about MSFT stock, maintaining a Strong Buy consensus rating based on 32 Buy recommendations and one Hold. Since the beginning of the year, MSFT has seen a double-digit percentage increase, with the average price target standing at $491.90, suggesting a potential upside of 18.9% from current levels.
