
Amid serious concerns about privacy under certain Windows 10 settings, Microsoft responded to customers explaining their policy.
Windows 10 launched almost two months ago, and after millions of users upgraded to the new operating system, the concerns about Microsoft’s privacy policy started rolling in. According to a report from the Verge, Windows chief Terry Myerson posted a blog outlining the details of the way Microsoft collects and utilizes user data.
Myerson hoped to dispel rumors that the company was illegally collecting user information, saying that it only gathers data “so the product will work better for you.” He reiterates that users are in complete control of the way the operating system gathers data about their activities.
Rumors have spread like wildfire that there were privacy issues particularly associated with the content of application crash data, but the blog assures users that the company doesn’t actually collect any content or files. In fact, it takes multiple steps to make sure it doesn’t collect any information that could personally identify users, like their name, e-mail address or account ID number. According to Myerson, the company uses this data to provide solutions to program crashes in a timely manner.
A particular cause for concern is the new Cortana digital assistant application, which has raised eyebrows from privacy proponents. Myerson’s defense is that once Cortana is enabled, users are in full control of what types of information are actually collected. Users can update their settings whenever they want, but Meyerson failed to address the program’s capability to continue sending data once it has been disabled.
Windows 10 also includes multiple family features that can allow a parent to monitor their children’s computer activity. This is set by default to send internet browsing history directly to the master account, and the company is reportedly working on new ways to notify users about what types of information is being shared.
While Microsoft has still left some questions unanswered about the privacy features of their new Windows 10 operating system, they appear to be open to feedback and actively working to improve the system.
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