Microsoft on Windows 10 Privacy Violation Claims: We're Not Spying on Users

[ARMOUR]

Windows boss Terry Myerson says Windows 10 was designed “with two straightforward privacy principles in mind,” so that it collects information that can help the company make the product work better for you and you are always in control of what you share.

Myerson admits that some information is collected from user computers, including anonymous device ID, device type, and application crash data, which the company can use to improve the operating system and software running on it.

But Myerson explains that no files or private content is sent to Microsoft, so information that can directly identify you, such as name, email address, or account ID stays right there on your PC. What's more, everything is encrypted “in transit to our servers and then stored in secure facilities,” so no one beside Microsoft can access it.

Myerson also said that personal information might be collected if you keep Cortana on, but this is only needed because “we aspire to deliver a delightful and personalized Windows experience to you.” You control what data is collected though, he added, and you can always change the settings if you don't want to send something to the company. Although he didn't mention what personal information can be collected, this includes typed text, browsing history, and spoken commands for Cortana.

And last but not least, the Windows boss also emphasized that no email or other communication content is scanned by the company to deliver targeted advertising “unlike some other platforms,” which is a clear reference at Google and how the company scans Gmail content for better ads.

Overall, this new statement is supposed to reassure Windows 10 users that their data is fully secure when installing the new operating system. And yet, Myerson failed to answer one big question: why is Windows 10 phoning home even when you disable all tracking services and data collection processes?


Data needed to improve Windows 10
The Windows boss then goes on to explain how this collected information can help improve Windows 10.

“Aggregate data showed us that a particular version of a graphics driver was crashing on some Windows 10 PCs, which then caused a reboot. This driver was not widely used, but still the issue was impacting customers. We immediately contacted the partner who builds the driver and worked with them to turn around a fix to Windows Insiders within 24 hours.

We used the data on Insiders’ devices to confirm that the problem was resolved, and then rolled out the fix to the broad public via an update the next day – all-in-all, this data helped us find, fix and resolve a significant problem within 48 hours.”

Read More @ Softpedia.com & Blogs.windows.com

[namek]

Sure you don't=]

[Karlston]

Thinking back, I find it hard to believe that Windows 8 was a failure because of a missing start menu and forced boot to tablet mode. Both were easily fixed.

Yet there is so much more (IMO) to dislike about W10, forced updates, cumulative updates with no information, a gazillion opt-out privacy settings, default driver updates, theft of users bandwidth, etc. Basically Microsoft owns your PC and your OS and does what it wants with both, yet people love it, and the media largely ignores all this and paints it as the greatest thing since sliced bread.

There... I feel better now... :)

[dickmaster]

Taking snappshots is what i call "Spying on Users"

[Actarusse]

:lmao: :hehe: :fun:

[humble3d]

Microsoft responds to Windows 10 privacy concerns

It has been nearly two months since the launch of Windows 10, and Microsoft is finally responding to the growing privacy concerns around the new operating system. In a detailed blog post from Windows chief Terry Myerson, Microsoft details all of the ways Windows 10 collects and uses data. Myerson claims "Windows 10 collects information so the product will work better for you," and that "you are in control with the ability to determine what information is collected."

MICROSOFT DISMISSES CONCERNS OVER APPLICATION CRASH DATA

There have been a number of concerns over the content of application crash data, but Myerson reveals Microsoft doesn't collect content or files, and that the company takes "several steps to avoid collecting any information that directly identifies you, such as your name, email address or account ID." Why does Microsoft even need this data? Myerson says Microsoft has used the data collected to roll out reliability fixes to Windows 10 "within 24 hours" of a particular crash.

One large part of Windows 10 is the new Cortana digital assistant, but its integration has been causing privacy concerns. Myerson claims that if you enable Cortana then "you are in control of the information we collect for these purposes and can update your settings at any time." However, Myerson doesn't directly address some of the concerns around Cortana- and OneDrive-related features still sending data after they're disabled.

WINDOWS 10'S DEFAULT FAMILY SETTINGS WILL BE IMPROVED

Windows 10 also includes family features that are enabled by default to send activity data to a parent. Concerns have been raised over internet history data being sent automatically to parents, and Microsoft is planning to update Windows 10 to change this. "All Windows 10 customers will receive an upcoming update to family features, with default settings designed to be more appropriate for teenagers, compared to younger children," says Myerson. "Additionally, we’re working on ways to further enhance the notifications that kids and parents get about activity reporting in Windows."

While Microsoft isn't addressing every concern today, the company is welcoming feedback if Windows 10 isn't "behaving the way it should with your privacy settings." Issues can be reported at Microsoft's website or though the Insiders program.

http://www.theverge.com/2015/9/28/9409557/microsoft-windows-10-privacy-concerns-response

NEVER TRUST MSFT :lol:

[Cereberus]

Windows boss Terry Myerson says Windows 10 was designed “with two straightforward privacy principles in mind,” so that it collects information that can help the company make the product work better for you and you are always in control of what you share.

BULL SHIT!

it's already been proven even with the default windows settings, and the hidden ones, it still manages to tattle on you to microsoft. so thats a lie :x

[SPECTRUM]

dickmaster, on 28 Sept 2015 - 16:42, said:dickmaster, on 28 Sept 2015 - 16:42, said:

Taking snappshots is what i call "Spying on Users"

that is normal on Insider Preview builds.

[steven36]

Data needed to improve Windows 10

The Windows boss then goes on to explain how this collected information can help improve Windows 10.

“Aggregate data showed us that a particular version of a graphics driver was crashing on some Windows 10 PCs, which then caused a reboot. This driver was not widely used, but still the issue was impacting customers. We immediately contacted the partner who builds the driver and worked with them to turn around a fix to Windows Insiders within 24 hours.

We used the data on Insiders’ devices to confirm that the problem was resolved, and then rolled out the fix to the broad public via an update the next day – all-in-all, this data helped us find, fix and resolve a significant problem within 48 hours.”

More BS , Microsoft is responsible for my Display Driver update because AMD said they was while the driver they install dont crash my computer . It dont work for DirectX Video Acceleration (DXVA) There's no way that there telemetry can check 3rd party programs for these type of errors because its still never been fixed . I had to fix it by using another driver . :rolleyes: Most likely the reason it was fixed in the case above was the end user complained to the driver manufactures because it was all in the media they was.

[Holmes]

Microsoft can address this and that and no matter what if you read why it still collects data when services are disabled (microsoft could give a logical explaination as to why data is sent when you disable everything from a bug to a leak) you would find a reason to bitch no matter what. Microsoft is the devil they made windows ten to destroy you if windows ten had a mouth it would say your soul is mine lawls microsoft has there own agenda twenty one WATCH OUT lawls. The simple fact is the operating system is far from finished and in order for it to improve windows ten it has to collect data its like a human being making a mistake the human being observes what it did wrong rectifies it and learns from the mistakke gets smarter. I think microsoft is collecting data the right amount to improve on windows ten mistakes and in the end I dont want to be the one who feels stupid and goes shit we were wrong after all.

[vkarthik]

you're not the customer - you're the product

[LeeSmithG]

Interesting, as eight million (8,000,000) alpha & beta testers ran Windows 10 and still on release needed a series of patches.

I reckon at least thirty three percent (33%0 of upgraders to Windows 10 have rolled back.

Two (2) in my household have done.

I purchased and installed my Windows 7 Pro the day of release, from the retailer amazon.co.uk.

I have not been asked to upgrade :)

No Windows ten (10) here :)