Participants in Microsoft’s Windows Insider Program may be handing over their privacy in exchange for early access to the Windows 10 beta.
The software giant announced it’d be offering unprecedented early access to its new operating system at the launch event on Tuesday.
However, a look into the permissions users have to agree to in order to download the software make for shocking reading.
As first reported by The Inquirer, the policy states: “Microsoft collects information about you, your devices, applications and networks, and your use of those devices, applications and networks. 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.”
The company also adds how agreeing to the the permissions, it is also asserting its right to collect users’ voice data and information about the files users open.
The document goes on to say: “We may collect information about your device and applications and use it for purposes such as determining or improving compatibility” and “use voice input features like speech-to-text, we may collect voice information and use it for purposes such as improving speech processing.”
“If you open a file, we may collect information about the file, the application used to open the file, and how long it takes any use [of] it for purposes such as improving performance, or [if you] enter text, we may collect typed characters, we may collect typed characters and use them for purposes such as improving autocomplete and spellcheck features.”
Microsoft has so far refused to comment on the reports, but this is a little disconcerting to say the least. Will you still be jumping on board with the Technical Preview? Share your thoughts below.
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
