Microsoft's invites governments to review its source code at new Transparency Center in Brussels

Microsoft announced the opening of a new Transparency Center in Brussels, the host city of the European Commission, as part of the company’s Government Security Program.

The program is described offering “participating governmental agencies the opportunity to review the source code of Microsoft products, access information on cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities, and benefit from the expertise and insight of Microsoft security professionals.”

The announcement states the new Center will serve as a place for governments from the European Union, Middle East and Africa to review the source code in Microsoft’s products and to gain access to security information in a secure environment.

Matt Thomlinson, Vice President of Microsoft Security, also says in his post that the trust from Microsoft’s commitment to its Government Security Program and building the new Transparency Center in Brussels is an “essential ingredient” for enabling the European Commission’s completion of the Digital Single Market. Thomlison goes on to say:

“Only by increasing confidence in the digital solutions which have the potential to catalyze whole economies can Europe ensure that every citizen, business and government feels the benefits of the digital revolution.”

The Digital Single Market is described by the European Commission as a set of commission priorities to bring down regulatory barriers within the Eurozone that restrict growth in the digital economy and “unlock online opportunities.”