And conveniently forgets to mention it’s own privacy track record
Microsoft has renewed its attack against Google, this time focusing on the companies email service, Gmail.
Yes, Gmail scans every email you send or receive, and no, there isn’t any way to opt-out. Yes, it probably does breach international privacy laws and yes, Google does systematically steal and abuse our data.
There’s no denying that Google has become a powerful enemy of personal privacy that shows almost no regard for the law.
While the new ‘Scroogled’ campaign launched by Microsoft might only be an advert for Outlook, an alternative to Gmail, they do have a point.
However, among the accusations you’ll notice that Microsoft criticise the fact that Google use personal information to serve targeted advertisements. But let’s look more closely at Microsoft’s privacy site and we’ll see this statement:
“May include the display of personalized content and advertising.”
Hmm.
Also, despite mounting pressure on the company, Microsoft have been tight lipped about accusations that law enforcement officials can eavesdrop on Skype calls.
Last month over 40 campaign groups, including Reporters Without Borders and the Electronic Frontier Foundation, sent an open letter to the company asking for transparency.
The letter states:
“Skype is a voice, video and chat communications platform with over 600 million users worldwide, effectively making it one of the world’s largest telecommunications companies. Many of its users rely on Skype for secure communications–whether they are activists operating in countries governed by authoritarian regimes, journalists communicating with sensitive sources, or users who wish to talk privately in confidence with business associates, family, or friends.
“It is unfortunate that these users, and those who advise them on best security practices, work in the face of persistently unclear and confusing statements about the confidentiality of Skype conversations, and in particular the access that governments and other third parties have to Skype user data and communications.”
Microsoft have also developed a new version of its Xbox Kinect device that will count the number of people in the room so it can assess licensing fees on pay-per-view content.
The device will also be able to identify who is watching the content.
So, Microsoft, perhaps people who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones?
Yes, Google has been habitually abusing our privacy for years, but Microsoft you’re not too far behind.