Windows 10, Microsoft's latest operating system, has generally been hailed as a success. Features like its updated user interface, redesigned start button, and the new Cortana voice assistant have all been met with praise from critics.
However, the system's controversial new privacy policies and data gathering tools have been a nagging thorn in Microsoft's side.
Since Windows 10's official launch on July 29, we've chronicled stories that detail mysterious downloads, user options disappearing without notice, and a whole host of other concerns. Now finally, after almost two months on store shelves, Microsoft has spoken up regarding these privacy concerns.
In a lengthy post on Windows.com, Microsoft Executive Vice President for Windows Terry Myers enumerates the reasons behind these features. He writes:
From the very beginning, we designed Windows 10 with two straightforward privacy principles in mind:
- Windows 10 collects information so the product will work better for you.
- You are in control with the ability to determine what information is collected.
According to Myerson's letter, the data considered Windows 10 can be sorted into three levels: Safety and Reliability Data, Personalization Data, and Advertising Data.
For the first Myerson writes:
We collect a limited amount of information to help us provide a secure and reliable experience. This includes data like an anonymous device ID, device type, and application crash data which Microsoft and our developer partners use to continuously improve application reliability.
For the second:
We aspire to deliver a delightful and personalized Windows experience to you, which benefits from knowing some things about you to customize your experience.
With regards to advertising data, Myerson says that Windows 10 will never scan your device in order to deliver targeted ads.
Unlike some other platforms, no matter what privacy options you choose, neither Windows 10 nor any other Microsoft software scans the content of your email or other communications, or your files, in order to deliver targeted advertising to you.
