15 ms·

How exactly does Windows 10 allow Microsoft to spy on you?

13 points by rms_returns 10y ago

herbst 10y ago
It really baffles me how big the misconception about Telemetrie on Windows 10 is, even thought it's all written in the Terms. There is simply no such thing as disabling, and even the lowest option (which is only available for enterprise users anyway) that only reports errors includes paragraphs that mention that everything could be leaked, when it is somehow involved in a error. IMO at the current state Windows 10 is definitely illegal to use in security relevant environments, as it could potentially leak anything.
- rms_returns 10y ago
  Is there a way to avoid the data collection by changing the hosts file? What if I made microsoft.com point to localhost or 127.0.0.1? Will the telemetry stop then?
  - dagw 10y ago
    here is a hosts file that tries to do just that: https://github.com/WindowsLies/BlockWindows/blob/master/hosts https://github.com/WindowsLies/BlockWindows/blob/master/host... Edit: although some people seem to be claiming the Windows bypasses the hosts file for certain hard-coded domains, so you might have to block these domains at your firewall instead
  - herbst 10y ago
    As the other guy said i wouldnt trust Windows that it does what i ask it to when i edit the hostfile. Next to that microsoft has probably a unlimited amount of burner domains. Honestly if that bothers you, just don't use Windows.
_Understated_ 10y ago
Something I don't understand in this whole argument is what are Microsoft doing with the data they collect? They have been collecting opt-in telemtry for ages to improve applications and work on fixing common bugs and so on. I am fine with that since I don't usually opt in to that kind of thing. It also makes sense from a product improvement standpoint. But if it's like Android and they are trying to make extra money from me, surely it would be better to offer a version for, say, $50 that has none of that in it and they have a guaranteed $50 sale. I mean, how much would they expect to make from a single person from this data? I dunno, maybe I am being naieve but it seems a bit odd to me. Oh, I still use Windows 8.1 with Stardock start menu... not interested in Windows 10 features at all.
- herbst 10y ago
  I dont think selling is their priority Nr.1. (While it is a reasonable thought tho, and most likely also does happen to some degree). But it seems most data they collect can be used to understand their customers better, which would theoretically lead to a better system. That said that means that there is some most likely american server containing more of your private data than you could ever think of, openly accessible for any goverment that asks nice.
throwwit 10y ago
Anything on the net about pmtelemetry.kext for OSX?
augb 10y ago
Probably should have 2015 in the title.

13 points by rms_returns 10y ago

It really baffles me how big the misconception about Telemetrie on Windows 10 is, even thought it's all written in the Terms. There is simply no such thing as disabling, and even the lowest option (which is only available for enterprise users anyway) that only reports errors includes paragraphs that mention that everything could be leaked, when it is somehow involved in a error. IMO at the current state Windows 10 is definitely illegal to use in security relevant environments, as it could potentially leak anything.

rms_returns 10y ago
Is there a way to avoid the data collection by changing the hosts file? What if I made microsoft.com point to localhost or 127.0.0.1? Will the telemetry stop then?
- dagw 10y ago
  here is a hosts file that tries to do just that: https://github.com/WindowsLies/BlockWindows/blob/master/hosts https://github.com/WindowsLies/BlockWindows/blob/master/host... Edit: although some people seem to be claiming the Windows bypasses the hosts file for certain hard-coded domains, so you might have to block these domains at your firewall instead
- herbst 10y ago
  As the other guy said i wouldnt trust Windows that it does what i ask it to when i edit the hostfile. Next to that microsoft has probably a unlimited amount of burner domains. Honestly if that bothers you, just don't use Windows.

_Understated_ 10y ago

Something I don't understand in this whole argument is what are Microsoft doing with the data they collect? They have been collecting opt-in telemtry for ages to improve applications and work on fixing common bugs and so on. I am fine with that since I don't usually opt in to that kind of thing. It also makes sense from a product improvement standpoint. But if it's like Android and they are trying to make extra money from me, surely it would be better to offer a version for, say, $50 that has none of that in it and they have a guaranteed $50 sale. I mean, how much would they expect to make from a single person from this data? I dunno, maybe I am being naieve but it seems a bit odd to me. Oh, I still use Windows 8.1 with Stardock start menu... not interested in Windows 10 features at all.

herbst 10y ago
I dont think selling is their priority Nr.1. (While it is a reasonable thought tho, and most likely also does happen to some degree). But it seems most data they collect can be used to understand their customers better, which would theoretically lead to a better system. That said that means that there is some most likely american server containing more of your private data than you could ever think of, openly accessible for any goverment that asks nice.

throwwit 10y ago

Anything on the net about pmtelemetry.kext for OSX?

augb 10y ago

Probably should have 2015 in the title.