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Windows 10 privacy FAQ : a primer


If anyone, already aware of the spy nature of Windows 10, wondered what Microsoft has to say officially about it, you just have to read their own FAQ.

Here is a primer of what they tell you :

extrait : "How do I control which apps and services can access my device’s camera(s)?
To change which apps and services can use your camera, go to Start Start icon, then select Settings > Privacy > Camera, and then, in the Choose apps that can use your camera list, turn individual apps and services settings on or off. (The Let apps use my camera setting must be turned on as well.)

Classic Windows applications won’t appear in your Choose apps that can use your camera list.
"


What Microsoft is telling you is that even though Windows is supposed to be an operating system, there is no centralized way to control who can access a camera attached to the device, because for instance WIN32 applications are not listed in the Camera privacy settings.


extrait : "Do I have to have my camera setting turned on to use Windows Hello?

No, if you choose to turn on Windows Hello, it will use your camera to sign you in even if your camera setting is turned off. If Windows Hello is turned off, it can’t access your camera.
"


So your camera is accessible to others even though you have set it to be private. This defeats the whole point of having privacy settings in the first place.

extrait : "Can I control what data Cortana collects?

You can turn off some of Cortana's data collection, such as the extraction of flight numbers and other information from your communications, in Cortana settings. You can also turn off Cortana’s collection of browsing history in Microsoft Edge in Microsoft Edge settings.
"


So some control, not full control. Does this mean someone else owns your computer?

extrait : "Why can’t I turn off location for Cortana in location settings?

As your personal assistant, Cortana learns about the places that are important for you and when you visit those places.
"


No Cortana settings in Location settings even though Cortana listens, stores and shares location data. Makes sense, not !

extrait : "How often does Cortana collect my device location information?

Cortana collects your location periodically even if you’re not interacting with Cortana, for example, when you connect to Wi‑Fi or disconnect from Bluetooth.
"


Connecting to a wifi hotspot is informative for the NSA, so at least you know why Microsoft made Cortana.

extrait : "Does Cortana share data with third party apps or services?

Cortana allows you to connect to third party applications, such as Facebook, for additional personalized experiences using information you’ve shared with the third party.
"


Share your data means send your data, arbitrarily, to third parties, just in case this isn't clear enough.

extrait : "How do I turn the Windows location service on or off for my user account?
When location is on for the device (note that only the admin can change this setting), you can turn Location on On icon or off Off icon for your user account. If you turn Location off for your user account, apps that use the Windows location service will not have access to your device location information. If you turn Location on for your user account, Windows apps can use Windows location services to obtain your device location if you give them permission.
"


It is clear Microsoft is making it very hard to turn off the sensitive data sharing, by spreading settings in multiple independent places with complex rules. Essentially you never know if your private data remains private even if you turn off sharing.


extrait : "Can my device location be discovered if the Windows location service is turned off for my user account?

Yes, there are apps, services, and technologies that can discover your device location even when location is turned off for your user account. Microsoft services like Find My Device and Wi-Fi Sense will still have access to your device location if these services are turned on for your device Your mobile operator will have access to your device’s location if your device is cellular enabled or has a SIM card.
"


So it's off, but not quite off.


And the list goes on and on.

Posted on 26-August-2015 01:26 | Category: France | comment[0] | trackback[0]

 

 

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