Windows 8 Tells Microsoft About Everything You Install

musicon writes "According to Nadim Kobeissi, Windows 8 is configured by default (using a new featured called Windows SmartScreen) to immediately tell Microsoft about every app you download and install. This is a very serious privacy problem, specifically because Microsoft is the central point of authority and data collection/retention here and therefore becomes vulnerable to being served judicial subpoenas or National Security Letters intended to monitor targeted users. This situation is exacerbated when Windows 8 is deployed in countries experiencing political turmoil or repressive political situations." While SmartScreen is enabled by default, it's possible for users to turn it off. Also, it's worth noting that Microsoft is hardly alone in this regard, given the rise of app stores over the past several year. (Not that it exculpates this behavior.)

Comments

Re:Does Windows 8 have an opt-out feature?

[Anonymous Coward]

At the rate Microsoft is going, they might as well add a "Windows 8 opt-out feature."

I know this is a joke, but yes, they do, It's called "downgrade rights"

Re:Does Windows 8 have an opt-out feature?

[snadrus]

I took my shiny, still-wrapped laptop box to an Acer service center to return Windows 7. They swapped my hard drive for a blank one & I was mailed $65. Not bad for a laptop I bought $300.