April 21, 2008

Information gathering for Microsoft

For anyone who has ever wondered how Microsoft gets all of their information about us, the answer is so simple, especially if you happen to be using Windows Vista. We know that by when we buy a new piece of software it normally comes with a huge terms and conditions sheet, which we digitally sign but rarely read.

However it is the licensing system which actually allows Microsoft to harvest all sort of information about our computer habits. Although they do say often, that the information harvested about you and your computer will not be shared and that it will not be used to identify you.

What’s Covered in the Vista License?

Windows Update, Web Content, Digital Certificates, Auto Root Update, Windows Media Digital Rights Management, Windows Media Player, Malicious Software Removal/Clean On Upgrade, Network Connectivity Status Icon, Windows Time Service, and the IPv6 Network Address Translation (NAT) Traversal service (Teredo)

Could this information be used by other parties? What do you think?

Source [Softpedia]