Microsoft: "Sovereign Data Processing" for M365 Copilot Coming in 2026
By the end of next year, cloud customers in Germany will also have the option for their Copilot data not to cross the country's borders.
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From the end of next year, data from German Copilot users in Microsoft 365 will be processed exclusively in German data centers. The company announced this as part of its AI Tour, which stops in Frankfurt am Main on Thursday. In addition, further cloud functions are to strengthen customers' digital sovereignty.
Timeline still open
Next year, Microsoft will expand the Copilot data processing option, currently available in only four countries, to eleven additional locations, including Germany, Poland, and Italy. The company will announce specific availability dates at a later time.
When using Copilot, data processing will then take place exclusively in data centers located within the respective country. This is intended to enable customers, particularly in the public sector or highly regulated industries, to use M365 Copilot in compliance with the law. Furthermore, Microsoft emphasizes that this “sovereign data processing” can also ensure a faster Copilot due to reduced latency.
Offline function for Azure Local
Microsoft also announces several cloud functions that are intended to support digital sovereignty. From early 2026, an offline function for Azure Local will be available. This allows companies or authorities to centrally manage multiple Azure Local Clusters locally and work independently in their own private cloud, according to the provider.
In addition, Microsoft is introducing the “Digital Sovereignty Specialization” for its AI Cloud Partner Program. This will enable Microsoft partners to demonstrate that they can offer sovereign cloud solutions on Azure and Microsoft 365 platforms that meet strict regulatory requirements, for example, regarding data protection and resilience.
“I am pleased that we are showcasing established and new AI applications that can already make people more productive and relieve them today,” explains Microsoft's Germany CEO Agnes Heftberger. “For more than 40 years, Microsoft has been a reliable partner for Germany and is an integral part of the local innovation ecosystem. We know our customers.”
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3000 visitors expected
On Thursday, Microsoft expects around 3000 visitors at the AI Tour at the Frankfurt exhibition center. Around 150 experts will give presentations and workshops. The event will be opened by Jessica Hawk, Corporate Vice President, Azure. Last year, CEO Satya Nadella visited with the AI Tour in Berlin and presented his vision of a world of AI agents.
(vbr)
