Slashdot Mirror
Test Version Windows 10 Includes Keylogger
wabrandsma writes From WinBeta: "One of the more interesting bits of data the company is collecting is text entered. Some are calling this a keylogger within the Windows 10 Technical Preview, which isn't good news. Taking a closer look at the Privacy Policy for the Windows Insider Program, it looks like Microsoft may be collecting a lot more feedback from you behind the scenes. Microsoft collects information about you, your devices, applications and networks, and your use of those devices, applications and networks. Examples of data we collect include your name, email address, preferences and interests; browsing, search and file history; phone call and SMS data; device configuration and sensor data; and application usage." This isn't the only thing Microsoft is collecting from Insider Program participants. According to the Privacy Policy, the company is collecting things like text inputted into the operating system, the details of any/all files on your system, voice input and program information.
It's an early test program. The entire reason that it exists is to see how people use it, whether the UI decisions make sense, and what the designers overlooked. It is not intended for normal use and it is not intended for production environments.
There is no justification for this. The purpose of testing is to collect data about the system itself and how it operates in end user environments; this is collecting information about the end users themselves rather than just the machine, Microsoft has no business collecting that.
I would have no qualms about this practice if it were completely up front in it's entirety rather than have to read about it in a blog.
This is quote from the page where you agree to the terms of the preview program (this is the top text - the first you read):
Accept the Terms of Use and Privacy Statement
This should be the most boring step. Accept the Terms of Use and Privacy Statement and we can finish up your registration.
By accepting the Terms of Use and Privacy Statement, you agree that:
* The experimental and early prerelease software and services might not be fully tested.
* You might experience crashes, security vulnerabilities, data loss, or damage to your device.
* Your detailed usage and device data will automatically go to Microsoft and our partners to improve our products and services. See the Privacy Statement for more information.
* You will receive communications about the program and related promotions. Once you’ve joined the program, to stop receiving such communications you must leave the program.
Reading slashdot one-liner: (irm http://rss.slashdot.org/Slashdot/slashdot).rdf.item | fl title,desc*
http://windows.microsoft.com/e...
For example, when you:
install the Program, we may collect information about your device and applications and use it for purposes such as determining or improving compatibility,
use voice input features like speech-to-text, we may collect voice information and use it for purposes such as improving speech processing,
open a file, we may collect information about the file, the application used to open the file, and how long it takes any use it for purposes such as improving performance, or
enter text, we may collect typed characters and use them for purposes such as improving autocomplete and spellcheck features.
systemd is Roko's Basilisk.
If you read TFA, you'd notice the important bit that say "could include a keylogger", unlike that shitty title states.
Or you can download the ISO, enter the key (it's all over the net), and set up an entirely fake user account.
Well, now it is here too. The key is NKJFK-GPHP7-G8C3J-P6JXR-HQRJR. Microsoft is using this key for all W10TP installations.
The ISO can be grabbed from http://preview.windows.com/ by anyone who needs it.
You're testing. You're not using it in a normal manner.
You're bug hunting.
For large sets, this will be our guide even unto death, for the LORD will work for each type of data it is applied to...