The Dutch Data Protection Authority, the latest agency to investigate Windows 10’s built-in telemetry, have concluded that Microsoft’s spying is a violation of local privacy laws: of particular concern is users not being clearly told that data will be collected in both Windows itself and Microsoft Edge. Microsoft’s web browser gathers data about every URL that’s visited by users who have not opted out, and Windows 10 itself suck up detailed information about app usage.



Due to Microsoft’s approach, users lack control of their data. They are not informed which data are being used for what purpose, neither that based on these data, personalized advertisements and recommendations can be presented, if those users have not opted out from these default settings on installation or afterwards. “It turns out that Microsoft’s operating system follows about every step you take on your computer. That results in an intrusive profile of yourself”, according to Wilbert Tomesen, vice-chairman of the Dutch DPA.

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Source: [H]ardOCP – Dutch DPA: Microsoft Breaches Data Protection Law with Windows 10