In the run-up to the launch of Windows 10 earlier this year, users noticed that Microsoft’s operating system would be collecting more data on them by default than it had in the past, including information about their location and what they’re typing, and sending it off to Microsoft.

Understandably, some folks were concerned about the privacy implications of such a move, especially given disclosures around government surveillance, and the fact that Microsoft previously hadn’t built this kind of data collection into its operating system.

Those concerns weren’t helped by Microsoft, which was slow to clarify exactly what it takes from users and how to disable much of that collection. It’s possible for users to opt out of things like the contact and calendar tracking through Microsoft that Cortana uses to provide its personal assistant services, but people who use Windows 10’s express settings will toggle them on immediately.

Windows 10 also currently requires that all users hand over some information about how their devices are being used — what Microsoft calls basic telemetry. That information relates to things like when and how Windows 10 crashes, and Microsoft Corporate Vice President Joe Belfiore said in an interview that the company needs that information to improve the experience of using its operating system.

Read the Full Article: Source – PC World
Browsing Privacy: (PC World) – Microsoft doesn’t see Windows 10’s mandatory data collection as a privacy risk

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