IP: surprised re lack of stir re Microsoft Admits XP Media Player Spies on Users

[Dave Farber <dave () farber net>]

Why are you surprised. After the big flap the press made over the Qwest
number privacy issues, (and they withdrew it) Verizon and SBC went ahead
with the same opt out scheme and received NO press converge. Ever wonder why
? Could be revenue??

Dave

------ Forwarded Message
From: Steve Cohen <stevecoh1 () attbi com>
Date: Fri, 22 Feb 2002 23:07:42 -0600
To: Dave Farber <dave () farber net>
Subject: Microsoft Admits XP Media Player Spies on Users

Dave: surprised this one hasn't been picked up on more:

http://newsfactor.com/perl/story/16455.html

Jay Lyman
February 22, 2002

Microsoft has confirmed that the Windows XP version of its Windows Media
Player is programmed to track which CDs users listen to and which DVDs they
watch. The company also has altered its privacy statement to admit that its
player software tracks DVD content, which was not previously mentioned.

However, the company downplayed privacy concerns. For example, Microsoft
disputed claims by snooping software watchdog Richard Smith that Windows
Media Player 8, which comes bundled with Windows XP, cannot be turned off
and 
poses a threat to privacy because of its tracking capabilities.

Privacy advocates said the media player's capabilities fly in the face of
Microsoft's "trustworthy computing" initiative, a new dedication to security
and privacy that the company announced last month.


------ End of Forwarded Message

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