Microsoft Windows Telemetry and Privacy
The data collecting activities of Microsoft in their Windows Operating System has been found to violate privacy laws in Europe. Microsoft Windows users are not clearly told that data will be collected in both Windows itself and Microsoft Edge. With Microsoft's web browser gathering data about every URL that's visited by users who have not opted out of telemetry, and Windows collecting detailed information about other software on the computer the owner is using, governments around the world are becoming concerned that users are not adequately informed or protected.
A Government report from the DPA of Europe states:
Microsoft does not clearly inform users about the type of data it uses, and for which purpose. Also, people cannot provide valid consent for the processing of their personal data, because of the approach used by Microsoft. The company does not clearly inform users that it continuously collects personal data about the usage of apps and web surfing behaviour through its web browser Edge, when the default settings are used.
Windows 10 has been built around spying on customers, data collection, and other forms of telemetry. However, previous versions going back to Windows 7 did not have this degree of privacy invasion. So Microsoft is now trying to sneak in the telemetry via Windows update. Since August 2015 Microsoft has been actively adding telemetry collection into Windows 7, Windows 8 and 8.1 via Windows Update.
Aegis script
The Aegis script will also remove and block any prompts in Windows 7 and 8 about downloading and installing Windows 10.
- Configuring Automatic Updates by Editing the Registry
- Windows Security Page
- Annoyances of Windows Vista and Windows 7
- KB971033
- Microsoft Windows Telemetry and Privacy
- Windows Genuine Advantage
