Microsoft Releases Mobile Data Collection Source Code

Posted by timothy on Thursday July 7, 2011 @09:43AM from the but-the-secret-room-isn't-in-the-blueprints dept.

mikejuk writes "To avoid the problems that Google and Apple have had with collecting WiFi data and privacy issues Microsoft has just released [some of] the source code used in its mobile data collection system. The code shows how the phones that it drives around don't collect any personal data — just WiFi and cell tower identification so that they can be used in geolocation. The source code is a great educational resouce but as to proving that Microsoft is doing the right thing it just doesn't work. First off, it isn't complete. Second, who is to say that it is the code used in the phones? That's the point of software — it's easy to change. Now if only we can provoke them to release large chunks of Windows or Windows Phone 7...."

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What a biased piece of garbage article. by spd_rcr · 2011-07-07 10:02 · Score: 5, Insightful

I don't know how this one made it through the slashdot filters to be published. Mikejuk's posting sounds like conspiracy drivel. What Microsoft did was clearly a good effort to try and show the worry-warts what they're doing, but to expect them to give away the source code to their operating systems is just crazy.. their whole business model is based on traditional closed source software.

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- tensions in our lives that are attacking our minds, unite themselves together to make our consciousness blind - op'ivy
I work for Microsoft... by beamsplitter · 2011-07-07 10:41 · Score: 5, Informative

... and while I don't work with this team, I can tell you that it will have been released in good faith, and that the code in the phones will not be any different. I've seen nothing but honesty and integrity in the two years that I've worked for the company.