I think the bigger issue with the Windows privacy debacle is the poor communication from Microsoft. I can see where the author is coming from but he ignores the key issue. There are two major concerns from Microsoft: 1.) They have not taken a strong privacy stance when it comes to user data. They are testing the waters on getting revenue from user data and advertising. I believe this is the major reason they have not clarified their privacy stance. They dont want to be locked out of a potential revenue source. People are concerned that recent patches might be infringing this privacy. 2.) They have an unclear relationship with certain US government agencies. Questions over Skype and Outlook interception backdoors have people considering whether new patches are introducing new backdoors. If this was the case Microsoft would not communicate this and it is unlikely they would introduce it via these patches.
I agree. I'm not sure if he hasn't contemplated the consequences, has personally avoided thinking about them at all, or, is attempting to duck the 'tin foil hat' label. Something else? He does cover his hind quarters with: http://www.infoworld.com/article/29...08-3022345-3075249-and-3080149.html?nsdr=true Looking at MSFT's public pronouncements on several political issues (they've mostly favored centralization) leads me to think they'll never make a truly strong privacy stance. They might throw a bone but I don't foresee boldness coming from them. The fannies they strive to put in their OS's seat are, thinkingly or not, generally simpatico with their vision.
Definitely a black box. My gut tells me there is a relationship with three letter agencies but beyond the Skype and Outlook data from Snowden the evidence has been kept pretty well hidden. I don't think these patches are part of that relationship.
