Windows 10 becomes privacy compliant
Microsoft improves Windows 10 after an intervention by the Swiss Federal Data Protection Commissioner: the operating system becomes privacy-compliant.
The clarifications of the Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (FDPIC) had shown that data processing in the context of Windows 10 does not conform to data protection requirements in all aspects. For example, the page structure and the content of the "Get started quickly" and "Customize settings" pages only met the requirements for transparent information to a limited extent. From a content point of view, information on the storage period of the transmitted data, the content of browser data and the content of feedback and diagnostic data was missing, as the FDPIC writes. In addition, it was cumbersome for users to look up further information, e.g. from the relevant passages of the privacy policy, for the individual data processing operations.
Microsoft has made proposals
Microsoft subsequently submitted proposals to the FDPIC to remedy these and other deficiencies, which the FDPIC reviewed and supplemented. With the adjustments that have now been made, the information on data processing would be made more precise. In addition, the new settings page during the installation process would clearly inform users that they had to specify and consent to the data processing and transfer.
The technical implementation of the adjustments will take place worldwide via the two software releases of Windows 10 planned for 2017.
Regardless of the adjustment of the future installation process, Windows 10 users will always have the option to adjust data processing and transfers in the system settings, the FDPIC further writes.
Considered a benchmark for other companies
The solution reached with Microsoft, in particular the direct link to the relevant passages of the privacy policy and the options, is considered to be the minimum standard for applications and services of other companies. In future clarifications, the data processing to be reviewed will be measured against the solution achieved, according to the FDPIC.
You can find a preview of the new settings page in Windows 10 on the Microsoft blog.
