Having been with Microsoft since 1994 (before there was an iMac, Windows 95, Smartphones, 64bit processors, hard drives over 500 meg, and a widespread commercially available Internet) Stephen Toulouse has spent the past six years involved in some of the most important privacy and computer security developments within the company. In his current role of Lead Program Manager for Policy and Enforcement with Xbox LIVE, Stephen and his team work to help ensure the LIVE services experience is safe and enjoyable for its members.
Stephen was a key member of the Microsoft Security Response Center with Microsoft’s Trustworthy Computing division, running public communication for security events such as Slammer, Blaster, and Zotob. In addition, he assisted in the development of Microsoft’s Privacy Principles for Live Search and Online Ad targeting. Today Stephen serves as one of the Privacy gateways to the use of Xbox customer data and how it is protected, in addition to enforcing the Terms of Use and Code of Conduct on the service. That’s right; He swings the ban-hammer on Xbox LIVE.
Known to many within Microsoft simply by his email name, “Stepto”, Stephen lives in the small farming town of Duvall just outside Seattle with his wife and two Golden Retrievers. And he will absolutely beat you down and make you cry at Expert guitar on Baba O’Riley in Rock Band.