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Using Windows 10? Microsoft Is Watching—and Collecting Data

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posted on Aug, 2 2015 @ 03:07 PM
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I know there have been concerns about Windows 10, and many of those concerns valid, but here's an article i found in Newsweek that talks about all the invasions of privacy that users agree to, likely without reading the privacy policy.


From the moment an account is created, Microsoft begins watching. The company saves customers’ basic information—name, contact details, passwords, demographic data and credit card specifics —but it also digs a bit deeper.

Other information Microsoft saves includes Bing search queries and conversations with the new digital personal assistant Cortana; contents of private communications such as email; websites and apps visited (including features accessed and length of time used); and contents of private folders. Furthermore, “your typed and handwritten words are collected,” the Privacy Statement says, which many online observers liken to a keylogger. Microsoft says they collect the information “to provide you a personalized user dictionary, help you type and write on your device with better character recognition, and provide you with text suggestions as you type or write.”
emphasis added

What is their rationale? The same as other companies: we want to HELP you by PERSONALIZING things FOR YOU.


All this information doesn’t necessarily remain with just Microsoft. The company says it uses the data collected for three purposes: to provide and improve its services; to send customers personalized promotions; and to display targeted advertising, which sometimes requires the information be shared with third parties.


Screw that. I haven't used MS in years, and the old desktop I have but don't use, still runs XP.

The fact that they are collecting MASSIVE amounts of data, from passwords, to content of your private folders, to even what you type and "hand write" opens a huge hole for abuse AND the potential for that data to be share with third parties OTHER THAN advertisers, like, say, the government.

The GOOD thing is that one can turn off most most of the settings. That said, I wouldn't be surprised if MS turned them back on automatically (or with updates). One customer (a screencap of a tweet) says that W7 automatically downloaded W10, and when he manually removed W10, W7 automatically downloaded it again. That makes me not trust Microsoft, although maybe there was a setting in his system about automatic updates that he failed to turn off.


While users are given the choice to opt out of Microsoft’s various data collections, critics claim this isn’t enough. “[T]he Windows 10 upgrade experience...strips users of their choice by effectively overriding existing user preferences,” claims Chris Beard, CEO of the Mozilla Corporation, a Microsoft competitor.


Nevertheless, stay away from Microsoft.

Geez. Scary Stuff.



posted on Aug, 2 2015 @ 03:09 PM
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None of this is a secret, and it's all outlined in their user agreements...



posted on Aug, 2 2015 @ 03:18 PM
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I am really upset that I did not even reserve my "free windows 10" copy and it decided to download anyway, WTF Microsoft, I don't want your crap OS spyware. I have a bandwidth cap and can barley make it though the month as it is, If I go over my 20gb monthly cap its another $75. Do they care? Of course not, I am close to going to Linux soon.



posted on Aug, 2 2015 @ 03:26 PM
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As pointed out above.

You agree to it in the service agreement.

You also have a say in what information you share back. If you do not want to participate in the collection of data you can opt out.

You can also choose not to use Cortana.


+5 more 
posted on Aug, 2 2015 @ 03:36 PM
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Jesus people, I can't write a damn code of anything to save my life, but I know how to lock down Windows like a champ. It's called learning your OS. I can even edit the registry if I need to (learn to do it yourself, I'm not giving out any tips that might break your system, that's all on you)

Here's an article that details a bunch of intrusive crap that's on by default and how to shut it off. Hint: it's simple.
www.polygon.com...

Here's an article discussing registry editing in Win10, it may be useful for some who want greater control over their privacy & data:
winaero.com...

Your data is money nowadays. If you don't want it used like that, learn how to toss up brick walls. It's really not as complicated as people think to keep privacy invasions to a minimum.

Quick edit: Black Viper has been my go-to for a long time for full lists of system services that can be shut off in any version of Windows, safely without ruining anything. I don't follow his recs to the letter for every Windows release, but it's very helpful for me for optimizing resource use. So if you're going to tackle privacy, and think you can handle optimizing while you're at it, he's a great help in figuring out what can be turned off.
He's given Win10 a look, and has a list of things that can be turned off already:
www.blackviper.com...
edit on 8/2/2015 by Nyiah because: (no reason given)



posted on Aug, 2 2015 @ 03:41 PM
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Apple is considerably worse when it comes to data-collection of its users. It has been doing so for years, in many cases not even allowing you to opt-out.

The new Windows 10 on the other hand does allow you to opt-out. You need to disable Cortana and change some privacy settings if you don't want to send any personal information over to Microsoft. Also, some windows apps might not work after the fact, since some require your location info or access to your calendar.



posted on Aug, 2 2015 @ 03:43 PM
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originally posted by: AdmireTheDistance
None of this is a secret, and it's all outlined in their user agreements...


No one said it was secret.

Both the OP and the article say it's in the privacy policy, yet many people don't READ privacy policies.



posted on Aug, 2 2015 @ 03:47 PM
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Telescreen



posted on Aug, 2 2015 @ 03:47 PM
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Linux doesn't spy on you.



posted on Aug, 2 2015 @ 03:48 PM
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a reply to: Liquesence

Anyone who installs/upgrades to Windows 10 is a complete fool. This is coming from a guy how has a degree in computer science and over 20 years working on the front lines in the field.

edit on 2-8-2015 by Starbuck799 because: (no reason given)

edit on 2-8-2015 by Starbuck799 because: (no reason given)



posted on Aug, 2 2015 @ 03:48 PM
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originally posted by: AdmireTheDistance
None of this is a secret, and it's all outlined in their user agreements...


Yes, their 45 page EUL that is so impenetrable that there is no realist expectation of people reading it. And that is what they are counting on, that no one will read it so when they do complain, MS can just say "But you agreed to it."



posted on Aug, 2 2015 @ 03:52 PM
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originally posted by: metamagic

originally posted by: AdmireTheDistance
None of this is a secret, and it's all outlined in their user agreements...


Yes, their 45 page EUL that is so impenetrable that there is no realist expectation of people reading it. And that is what they are counting on, that no one will read it so when they do complain, MS can just say "But you agreed to it."


It's plenty doable for people to read, if someone can flip through Maxim or SI, they can go through a 45 page EULA. Humans just tend to be lazy. I did start to read through it, but just wanted to get on with the install and skimmed through it some more before continuing the install. IMO, I went the lazy route and didn't read the full EULA like I should have. Oh well.



posted on Aug, 2 2015 @ 03:54 PM
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originally posted by: Nyiah

Your data is money nowadays. If you don't want it used like that, learn how to toss up brick walls. It's really not as complicated as people think to keep privacy invasions to a minimum.


This is the reason why Microsoft is being so generous and giving it away for free, they are going to make more $$$ now then they ever did charging for it.

Screw windows 10, I am done with MS and their Humancentipad EULA like ways.



posted on Aug, 2 2015 @ 03:56 PM
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One of these companies needs to put into their agreement, "By agreeing to these terms you also agree that your soul now belongs to Satan," just to see how many people actually read through the stuff.

I'm guilty of not reading the policies, unless it's something *really* special to me (such as licensing creative content and copyright issues) that I don't want to screw myself by not reading, then I'll at least skim to the *important* parts.



posted on Aug, 2 2015 @ 04:01 PM
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a reply to: bananashooter

Pretty much agree here, they're more than likely going to make a killing off selling the info. If you're going to keep using Windows and don't want your info to be a commodity, then you need to be a proactive user and learn how to prevent that.
Others will switch & use other OSs, that's fine. I might give Linux another shake someday, but I was less than impressed with it the last time I tried it -- too much stuff broke or had compatibility problems for me. I understand it's improved a great deal, but I'm not yet confident enough that it's fully compatible with everything I have installed.


+2 more 
posted on Aug, 2 2015 @ 04:09 PM
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I mean really? Who gives a crap. I use my computer to surf facebook, ats, and porn. If Microsoft want's to send me some suggestions for some new porn based on my preferences then I'm cool with that.


Only thing that erks me really, is I wish I was getting a small check cut my way for some of that data. I would like a piece of that pie since I put the time in to provide it.


+3 more 
posted on Aug, 2 2015 @ 04:12 PM
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a reply to: SgtHamsandwich

Just because you don't care doesn't mean other people won't care or don't know about it.

So it's an attempt to help people and bring to light what some people might not know.

Don't care or don't like it? Find another thread that you *do* care about.



posted on Aug, 2 2015 @ 04:16 PM
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originally posted by: SgtHamsandwich


I mean really? Who gives a crap. I use my computer to surf facebook, ats, and porn. If Microsoft want's to send me some suggestions for some new porn based on my preferences then I'm cool with that.


Only thing that erks me really, is I wish I was getting a small check cut my way for some of that data. I would like a piece of that pie since I put the time in to provide it.


You shouldn't be concerned with it as an individual, but as a society. It's not just how this affects you directly but how its going to affect you indirectly.



posted on Aug, 2 2015 @ 04:17 PM
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originally posted by: Liquesence
a reply to: SgtHamsandwich

Just because you don't care doesn't mean other people won't care or don't know about it.

So it's an attempt to help people and bring to light what some people might not know.

Don't care or don't like it? Find another thread that you *do* care about.



My bad man, I gave you a star and a flag anyway.


I must having an off day since this is the second time I have had to post this today:


Maybe I should take a break from ATS for a bit...lol Don't be mad at me.



posted on Aug, 2 2015 @ 04:22 PM
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originally posted by: AdmireTheDistance
None of this is a secret, and it's all outlined in their user agreements...

He didn't say it was a secret, and also mentioned it was outlined in the user agreements. He's making people aware of what many likely aren't.
edit on 8/2/2015 by Klassified because: spelling




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