Microsoft allays privacy concerns of Windows 10 users

Allaying concerns of Windows 10 users over privacy, Microsoft has said information is collected only to offer a better OS experience. Besides, it provides users the ability to have control over the information collected.

Microsoft asserts that Windows 10 is based on these two major principles. Besides, the data collected from every system is encrypted to the company's servers and remains in secure facilities.

The company says information such as device ID, device type and application crash data is collected in order to help the user obtain an even more secure OS experience. Microsoft clarifies that the data does not include the user's personal files or content.

Another reason that Microsoft collects data is to offer a better personalised windows experience. This includes updates on game scores, app recommendations and the common words one types in messaging. If users are concerned, they always have the freedom to personalise their settings any time they want. At the same time, features like Cortana require more personal data to deliver accurate information, the company claims. It adds that neither Windows 10 nor its software scans the content of an individual's mail or other communications and files to get advertising data.

Users' feedback

Microsoft says the feedback from Windows 10 users has been of great help to provide a better user experience. Based on the feedback, the company is working on an update for family features with default settings meant for teenagers. Along with this update for Windows 10, Microsoft is working on enhancing the notifications kids and parents get about activity in Windows. An update will be released for enterprise users based on their feedback sometime later this fall.

Terry Myerson, who leads Microsoft's Windows and Devices group, in a blog posting said: "If you ever find a situation where our software is not behaving the way it should with your privacy settings, please let us know here. Like security, we are committed to following up on all reported issues, continuously probe our software with leading edge techniques, and proactively update supported devices with necessary updates."

Concerns had arisen after Microsoft came out with its Privacy Statement and Services Agreement with effect from 1 August suggesting the company has access to the user's personal data, and the keylogger in Windows 10 that keeps track of everything that one types.