Microsoft comes clean about Windows 10 data collection
SEATTLE: Microsoft has revealed more information about the data that it collects from Windows 10 installations around the world.
The newest version of Windows 10 will automatically roll-out on Apr 11.
Microsoft has been accused of concealing both the level of data collection, as well as what, exactly, it collects from hundreds of millions of PCs around the world.
Perhaps most notable is that although, as previously documented, data collection now comes down to two options, ‘Basic’ and ‘Full’, the amount of data being collected in Basic mode has dropped by half because Microsoft seems to have discovered it didn’t need as much as it thought it did.
Terry Myerson, executive vice president of the Windows and Devices Group wrote a blog to explain the changes. In it, he also introduces Windows Privacy Officer Marisa Rogers, who claims that Microsoft doesn’t do anything dodgy with all the data it collects.
“She champions our privacy commitments to you both inside and outside Microsoft, working with our Microsoft engineers and advocates around the world to ensure we’re delivering great experiences with privacy by design and giving you the information that puts you in control,” according to Myerson.
Her statement begins: “Before I get into the privacy details about this update and beyond, I want to first thank YOU - our customers - for your feedback and support on this journey. Our commitment to your privacy is only fully realised when we deliver on your feedback.”
According to Rogers, the Creators’ Update will let apps use advertising ID to make ads more interesting to you based on your app usage.
In other words, it means that
The Windows 10 Creators Update is a significant step forward, but by no means the end of our journey. — Marisa Rogers, Windows Privacy Officer
Microsoft is watching the software you’re running on your machine, but only doing so for the purpose of advertising via the operating system.
New users will be able to pick their privacy settings as part of the clean install process, and Windows 10 Mobile users will have diagnostic data collection turned off by default.
“We are on a journey with you and fully committed to putting you in control and providing the information you need to make informed decisions about your privacy. The Windows 10 Creators Update is a significant step forward, but by no means the end of our journey,” said Rogers.