Windows 10 Permissions Have Some Users Worried

As was recently highlighted in London, people don't really worry much about their privacy. With the Microsoft 10 preview, the privacy policy has some calling foul. Still in beta, the system logs just about everything you do.

Via The Inquirer (not the tabloid), we learn that Microsoft has a pretty deep scope into how users may or may not be using Windows 10. In the privacy policy you'd sign up for ahead of downloading the preview, some startling revelations were found:

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.

Additionally, Microsoft will be watching your apps for compatibility, and collect voice information when you use speech to text.

That sounds a touch like open beta fodder to us, wherein Microsoft is giving themselves access to your usage of Windows 10 to gauge how well the update is doing, or where it needs improvement. We will agree with The Inquirer that one line in particular has us raising our eyebrows:

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.

Essentially, if you open a file and type, Microsoft may have access to what you type, and the file info within. It's key-logging at its finest, officially unofficial via beta.

We're going to err on the side of caution, here, and remember the Windows 10 update is still in beta. Microsoft is likely just trying to dig as deep as they can to find problems, and not rely on too much user input after a bug is spotted or reported. Still, these permissions are something to look for when the official update rolls out next year.

Source: The Inquirer