Tuesday, 4 November 2014
Microsoft
Collects User Data In Windows 10 Technical Preview
Is Microsoft watching your every move on the
recently-released Windows 10 Technical Preview? That may be the case thanks to
portions of Microsoft's privacy policy, which indicates that the company is
using a keylogger, among other methods, to obtain information about the
software's performance. This is likely one of the reasons why Microsoft insists
that Windows Technical Preview not be installed on computers that are used
every day.
"When you acquire, install and use the
Program, Microsoft collects information about you, your devices, applications
and networks, and your use of those devices, applications and networks,"
the privacy policy stated. "Examples of data we collect include your name,
email address, preferences and interests; browsing, search and file history;
phone call and SMS data; device configuration and sensor data; and application
usage."
Microsoft provided four examples, one of
which clearly states that when entering text into any application, Microsoft
may collect those typed characters. Why? So that the company can fine-tune the
spell check and auto-complete features. Again, the Technical Preview is not
ideal on machines used for everyday purposes unless users don't care about this
"character collection."
Microsoft also revealed that when users open
a file, the company collects information about the file, the program that opens
the file and how long it takes to open said file. Microsoft claims that it uses
this information to improve performance and more. Microsoft also collects
information about programs that are installed -- including the device they are
installed on -- and uses that information to determine and improve Windows 10's
compatibility with those programs.
The company acknowledges that it may collect
voice information if the customer uses voice input features, such as
speech-to-text. This information will be used to improve speech processing,
Microsoft revealed.
"Microsoft uses data we collect from the
Program to operate, improve and personalize the Program and other Microsoft
products and services," the privacy policy stated. "Some data is
stored on your device and some data is transmitted to Microsoft. Microsoft
shares some data with our partners to improve how their products and services
work with Microsoft's products and services."
According to Microsoft, the user's contact
information is only used to contact that customer, whereas the preferences are
used to configure Program features. Under Disclosure of Data, Microsoft states
that it will only share the data with the user's consent. Microsoft also states
that the company will "share or disclose information about you with other
Microsoft-controlled subsidiaries and affiliates, and with vendors or agents
working on our behalf."
