Today, Microsoft’s Terry Myerson, Executive Vice President, Windows and Devices Group, announced details about the company’s upcoming plans for the next revision of Windows 10 (dubbed the Creators Update) and its approach to privacy.
Privacy Improvements Coming to Windows 10 Creators Update
The new version of Windows 10 will provide a refined experience, whether you are upgrading from a previous release of Windows or performing a new install. According to Myerson’s announcement, Microsoft is “making some changes by simplifying the privacy settings themselves and improving the way we present the privacy settings to you.” In addition, users will easily review and modify settings during setup and after they are up and running with Windows 10. The new setup experience replaces the previous “Express Settings,” which automatically shared the maximum amount of data with Microsoft, including using your advertising ID for targeted ads, sharing your contacts, and using information about your typing. In the new setup experience, you won’t be able to say “yes” to all this without carefully reviewing your privacy settings.
What this means is users will be able to understand better what they are consenting to. In addition, users will choose between a basic or full mode during the Out of Box Experience. Express Settings will no longer be available.
Microsoft Privacy Dashboard Available Now
Microsoft provides a web-based dashboard where users will have easy access to data such as browsing history, search history, location activity, and Cortana’s Notebook. In addition, the privacy dashboard is available immediately to all users—log into your Microsoft account and click the Privacy tab. From there, you can see what data’s been collected, and you can change your settings or clear your data.
In my opinion, Windows 10 was already doing a good job of letting you know what kind of data was being shared and giving you the option to disable it. This continued effort to allow users more visibility and control over what kind of personal data is collected is still a welcome improvement. If you have been hesitant to upgrade to Windows 10, will these new improvements nudge you to upgrade? Let us know in the comments. The optimist in me applauds Microsoft’s focus on privacy and letting you control your user data. Seems to me that Microsoft gives you a lot more Cortana data than Apple gives you Siri data (does Apple give you any at all?). But the cynical side of me sees this as a possible CYA maneuver. The data is a big deal—and by putting it right up front and center, they are more explicitly getting your permission to collect it. Most of will never log into the privacy dashboard or revisit our privacy settings. This sort of feels like due diligence on Microsoft’s part Comment Name * Email *
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