Microsoft agrees to Windows 10 adjustments with Swiss data
watchdog
Switzerland's data protection czar will not take Microsoft to
court after the U.S. company agreed to adopt recommendations for improving data
processing transparency for its Windows 10 operating system, the government
agency said.The Swiss Federal Data Protection and Information
Commissioner (FDPIC) said on Wednesday it had concluded an investigation into
the operating system begun in 2015, which it said revealed data protection gaps
under Swiss law."The FDPIC investigations revealed that data processing in
connection with Windows 10 did not conform in every respect with the data
protection legislation," the authority said in a statement.In response, Microsoft made proposals to the commissioner
which had been agreed after adjustments by the FDPIC."The technical implementation of the modifications
requested by the FDPIC will be carried out worldwide as part of the two Windows
10 software releases planned for 2017," the FDPIC said.The Swiss government agency said the agreement with Microsoft
meant there was "no need for court proceedings".A Microsoft spokesman said the company appreciated the
opportunity to discuss Windows 10 with the Swiss Data Protection Authority."As a global business, Microsoft is committed to
complying with all applicable laws in the countries in which we offer our
services and products," he said.Microsoft says in a blog on its website that it is committed
to protecting consumers' privacy with the product.In its 2015-2016 annual report, the FDPIC said the system's
quick installation or "get going fast" option automatically activated
nearly all data transfer and access processes, which meant user data, including
location details, browser and search history, keyboard entries and nearby WiFi
networks, automatically went to Microsoft.In concluding its investigation, the FDPIC said the Windows
10 "quick access" and "customize settings" pages had not
fully met transparency requirements. Information was lacking on the content of
browser, feedback and diagnostic data, as well as on the length of time that
transmitted data would be stored, it said.(Reporting by Brenna Hughes Neghaiwi; Editing by
Adrian Croft)
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