Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Microsoft Promises Not To Snoop Through Email

Posted by Soulskill on from the we-apologize-for-getting-caught dept.

An anonymous reader writes "Microsoft took some much-deserved flack last week for admitting they examined the emails of a Hotmail user who received some leaked Windows 8 code. The company defended their actions at the time. Now, after hearing the backlash, Microsoft General Counsel Brad Smith says they will not do so in the future. Instead, they'll refer it to law enforcement. He wrote, 'It's always uncomfortable to listen to criticism. But if one can step back a bit, it's often thought-provoking and even helpful. That was definitely the case for us over the past week. Although our terms of service, like those of others in our industry, allowed us to access lawfully the account in this case, the circumstances raised legitimate questions about the privacy interests of our customers. ...As a company we've participated actively in the public discussions about the proper balance between the privacy rights of citizens and the powers of government. We've advocated that governments should rely on formal legal processes and the rule of law for surveillance activities. While our own search was clearly within our legal rights, it seems apparent that we should apply a similar principle and rely on formal legal processes for our own investigations involving people who we suspect are stealing from us.'"

6 of 144 comments (clear)

  1. Translation: by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Translation: "Sorry we got caught. We'll be more careful to not get caught next time."

    1. Re:Translation: by Jeremiah+Cornelius · · Score: 5, Funny

      Oh! How valuable! A PROMISE! From... MICROSOFT!

      I feel better already.

      --
      "Flyin' in just a sweet place,
      Never been known to fail..."
    2. Re:Translation: by Opportunist · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Well, you have to admit that MS has a record of having rather good ideas that eventually fall on the face by poor to nonexistent implementation. Don't chalk up to malice what can sufficiently be explained by incompetence.

      --
      We used to have a Bill of Rights. Now, with the rights gone, all we have left is the bill.
    3. Re: Translation: by oldgunpraa · · Score: 5, Informative

      Now the scroogle campaign made MS look so stupid.

  2. Scroogled by Ultra64 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Wasn't scaremongering about Google reading your email part of their stupid ad campaign?

  3. inject by cirrustelecom · · Score: 5, Interesting

    If Microsoft could read, couldn't they also inject crafted evidence into his account? Might be a nice way to take down opposition...

    --
    "No, but understanding is not required, only obedience."