To maintain its cloud services, Microsoft’s updated terms restrict access to Bitcoin and crypto mining. Any users who intend to do so now must receive pre-written approval from the company.
In an attempt to maintain its cloud services, Microsoft’s updated terms are restricting access to Bitcoin and crypto mining. Any users who intend to do so now must receive pre-written approval from the company.
“We suggest seeking written pre-approval from Microsoft before using Microsoft Online Services for mining cryptocurrencies, regardless of the term of a subscription,” it added.
Microsoft has claimed that crypto mining can “cause disruption or even impairment to online services,” according to the British tech site The Register. Furthermore, its users are frequently associated with “cyber fraud” and “abuse attacks,” which involve the unauthorized use of customer resources.
“We made this change to further protect our customers and reduce the risk of disrupting or impairing Microsoft Cloud,” the company said. One scenario in which it may allow a customer to mine is for testing and research purposes.
Google Cloud also prohibited the use of its servers for crypto mining without written permission, whereas Oracle and OVH outright prohibited it. Amazon Web Services (AWS), on the other hand, only allows crypto mining within its paid tiers.
Miners have been struggling to stay afloat in recent months due to Bitcoin’s increasing difficulty adjustment and collapsing price. North Computer has already declared bankruptcy, and companies such as Iris Energy and Argo Blockchain have stated that they will be unable to make their interest payments.
Core Scientific was in a similar situation in October, but has since agreed to restructure its debt with B.Riley, receiving a $72 million loan from the company.
Many private companies have taken issue with crypto mining over its energy footprint, prompting them to disassociate from the industry. Mozilla, for example, stopped accepting donations from Proof of Work-based cryptos in January.
