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Microsoft breaches the Dutch data protection law by processing personal data of people that use the Windows 10 operating system on their computers. This is the conclusion of the Dutch Data Protection Authority (DPA) after its investigation of Windows 10 Home and Pro. Microsoft does not clearly inform users about the type of data it uses, and for which purpose. Also, people cannot provide valid consent for the processing of their personal data, because of the approach used by Microsoft. The company does not clearly inform users that it continuously collects personal data about the usage of apps and web surfing behaviour through its web browser Edge, when the default settings are used. Microsoft has indicated that it wants to end all violations. If this is not the case, the Dutch DPA can decide to impose a sanction on Microsoft.
[...] Due to Microsoft's approach users lack control of their data. They are not informed which data are being used for what purpose, neither that based on these data, personalised advertisements and recommendations can be presented, if those users have not opted out from these default settings on installation or afterwards.
[...] Microsoft can use the collected data for the various purposes, described in a very general way. Through this combination of purposes and the lack of transparency Microsoft cannot obtain a legal ground, such as consent, for the processing of data.
also at RT
(Score: 2) by SomeGuy on Monday October 16 2017, @05:04PM (1 child)
You have some guarantee that Microsoft will not break or bypass these tools? Do you really think Microsoft will do nothing if enough people install these tools?
It is not progress because these tools do not address the root of the problem.
Good luck installing these tools on a locked down work computer. If you do convince your company IT to install it, their Microsoft Office license discounts may mysteriously disappear.
Good luck installing that on future consumer Windows computers, that may be locked down like tablets, where approved applications are only installable through Microsoft's online store. Even those that aren't, do you really think there won't be increased protections on their telemetry system?
No, sadly it is someone trying to carve out a piece of the sweet, sweet past. And this will only last as long as Microsoft permits it.
It is not a long term solution, nor does it address the larger problem of Microsoft spying on anyone who does not have the knowledge or will to install such tools.
This problem does not have a technological solution. Microsoft will keep sucking whatever information they want off of everyone's hard drive. Tools like those mentioned are only a short term stop-gap measure.
The only way to stop it is to make Microsoft's behavior expressly illegal, and then actively hold Microsoft to this law. That second part is important because they have no morals and will happily ignore law, but it must actually become illegal first.
(Score: 1) by DmT on Monday October 16 2017, @08:37PM
It will not become illegal, because they are more rich than you and me. Until there are hacks, third party tools and other measures - these all should be used. Silent rebellion, until things improve.
I would consider a Win 10 with third party tools more secure for things like gaming, compared to PS4, where you either do not connect it to the internet or connect and it does whatever it wants online.
For work, depends really on the workplace/client needs, but many soft measures can be done, like downgrading, opting out, deffering updates and whatever else that is possible to do. Just don't run on default settings. Don't do private browsing on Win 10 at work etc ...
Same goes for google's android. Root, install granular privacy control apps, remove bad system apps, block google services and play store when not in use, or after downloading needed apps etc.
If all else fails, create fake personas, sabotage the telemetry, send up bad data. There are many possibilities.