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Windows 10 Will Soon Let Users Track the Data Microsoft Collects (thurrott.com)

Posted by msmash on from the more-transparency dept.

Windows 10 will soon get a new application that will allow users to keep track of the data that Microsoft collects from their device. From a report: Ahead of the Data Privacy Day, Microsoft today introduced a new Diagnostic Data Viewer app for Windows 10 -- first coming to Windows Insiders -- that enables users to view all the diagnostic data that's being collected by Windows 10. The new Diagnostic Data Viewer will display different types of diagnostic data collected by the OS. This includes Common Data (your OS version, device ID/type, etc.), Device Connectivity and Configuration data (device capabilities, user settings, peripherals and network info), Product and Service Performance (device health, performance, reliability data), Product and Service Usage (data on usage of device, apps, OS), and Software Setup and Inventory (update information). The app includes a search feature that lets you search for specific items.

6 of 148 comments (clear)

  1. OK for diagnostic data, but... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    They specifically say we can view the diagnostic data, but they do not mention the user profiling data that is used for advertising or the data that is provided to the NSA. I applaud this first step but it's really just a feel-good type of thing. The community needs to keep on Microsoft for full transparency.

    1. Re:OK for diagnostic data, but... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0, Insightful

      data that is provided to the NSA.

      End this meme.
      Microsoft does not willingly or unwillingly float user data to the NSA.
      They don't need to, your router does it for them. And your router runs linux, which is free as in NSA.

  2. Mockery? by rastos1 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    How useful is seeing the data if I can't stop them? At best it may be an eye opener. But that is far from the ideal situation.

  3. Should have had this from day 1 by Alain+Williams · · Score: 4, Insightful

    It will show the data that Microsoft wants you to know that it is taking. Unless this tool is open source you would be unwise to assume that it was showing you everything; even then: does the operating system keep (or make visible) all the files that it sends ?

  4. I don't care. I want an OFF button. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Don't collect data from my devices. No ifs and buts. Don't.

  5. Avoid hypocrisy by erapert · · Score: 1, Insightful

    Everyone complaining about Microsoft's data collection should switch immediately to Mac or Linux. Either that or you're proving that you don't actually care-- and so why should Microsoft care?