Microsoft responds to growing Windows 10 privacy worries

Microsoft has gone on record in response to a number of privacy concerns surrounding the new Windows 10 operating system.

Windows boss Terry Myserson says the new software collects user data only for the purpose of improving the performance of the OS.

In a lengthy blog post on Monday, he also stated that consumers have control over every piece of personal data collected.

“In today’s connected world, maintaining our privacy is an incredibly important topic to each of us, thus we welcome the questions and the feedback we’ve received since launching Windows 10,” he wrote.

The chief says all information is encrypted in transit to Microsoft’s servers and stored in secure facilities.

Myerson added that all data-collection approaches adhere to three principles. The first is to ensure the company provides a “secure and reliable experience.” The firm says no identifying information is collected, while content and files are left well alone when collecting data.

The second tier is Personalisation Data. Microsoft says the personalised experience “benefits from knowing some things about you to customize your experience, such as knowing whether you are a Seattle Seahawks fan or Real Madrid fan.”

Myerson points out that its easy for Windows 10 users to control exactly what information is handed over to the company.

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Lastly, Microsoft says that no matter what “privacy options you choose, neither Windows 10 nor any other Microsoft software scans the content of your email or other communications, or your files, in order to deliver targeted advertising to you.”

The Windows chief didn’t address the concerns over instances of Cortana and crash reports still collecting data after those privacy settings had been altered.

Maybe that’s a blog post for another day?