09.08.11
When Microsoft Tracks Identities and Conversations
Summary: Concerns about Microsoft’s analysis of people’s real names using acquisitions that also notify Microsoft of people’s relationships and private conversations
INTRUSION with an extra tinge of spying (even from foreign secret agencies) is the last thing anyone needs. But as we explained back when Microsoft bought Skype [1, 2, 3, 4, 5], the shift to the United States makes this inevitable. It’s bad enough for Microsoft competitors who used Skype (and can now be eavesdropped and their account history studied). Matt Asay further alleges that Microsoft will use Skype as an identity tracking tool. “Now that Microsoft has picked up Skype in an $8.5 billion deal,” he explains, “let’s hope that it appreciates what eBay never did: Skype is more valuable as an identity tool than as a VOIP service. Identity is the Holy Grail for the Internet, which is why Google and Facebook desperately want users to be themselves, and not a pseudonym.”
“Too much tracking, with Microsoft watching over the operating system (no longer just Windows), is a recipe for trouble.”Now, add the fact that there are reports of a “Trojan which masquerades as a Microsoft utility.” There are many like these all the time, but this is just the latest. How long before People’s conversations and personal information leak through Microsoft’s pipes and reach the wrong person? It enables blackmail and all sorts of nasty things. Too much tracking, with Microsoft watching over the operating system (no longer just Windows), is a recipe for trouble. This in its own right provides the US government with motivation to support the Microsoft monopoly. It helps US intelligence. █
Michael said,
September 8, 2011 at 2:04 pm
Ever heard of Google+?