I'm convinced that this is ESG related. If Microsoft believes that your company is harming the climate or has a low ESG score there is a good chance that they will ban you from advertising. This is already happening in some countries. Very sad.
What industries is everyone here advertising in? I do a lot of work in the fossil fuel industry. Microsoft wants to lower or eliminate the percent of revenue that they receive from such industries for the same reason that some US states and parts of Europe are phasing out fossil fuel-powered vehicle sales. They are making a statement by reducing their "exposure" to such industries if not outright banning.
I just wish that they would just come out and say it instead of causing the frustration that we all feel. Oil and Gas companies should then just abandon Microsoft products completely.
Check the headlines:
"France has recently enacted a law banning advertisements of petroleum energy products, energy from the combustion of coal mining, and hydrogen-containing carbons. In doing so, France became the first European country to enforce this unique pledge"
banfossilfuelads.org
The Guardian: "We have decided that we will no longer accept advertising from fossil fuel extractive companies on any of the Guardian's websites and apps, ..."
Microsoft is banning fossil fuel ads or at least reducing exposure to fossil fuel ads.