I read that Windows 10 automatically spies on you and you can't disable it.
I also read that they have introduced the same hidden spyware to Windows 7, but that you can disable it.
Is this true, and if so what do I need to do to prevent Microsoft from spying on me?
I intend to go back to Mac, just as soon as I can afford to...
I was only on Win 10 for 2 days, that was enough. I'm back on Win 7 now. Do I need to be concerned?
I mean.. I'm on facebook and google anyway and I think Theresa May passed her snooper's charter at the start of the year without many people noticing. When does that come into effect, is it next year?
Everyone is spying on everyone. Even Android does this. Microsoft has been doing this since Windows 10 came out.
Hi,
Every MS program and even the os has usage sending options in the setting
The os alone is click Start and type or paste this in the search box
Change Customer Experience Improvement Program settings
It will show if you're opted in or not for the os.
If you use Windows essentials or even MSE.... they will have separate settings to opt out of.
The only way a person can cut down data collection is by not going on the Internet. Windows, Android, MS, Google and many other companies all collect some form of data from day to day browsing activities. There are ways to reduce it, but I don't believe it can be avoided 100% unless you don't use the Internet, don't use credit cards, don't fill out any forms ever... You see where I'm going with this.
Look at these credit rating companies, they're the biggest data harvesting warehouses out of the lot!
Data is also collected at major chain stores & supermarkets, Gas Stations Etc, and although it's basically anonymous, if you use a card for payment it is identifiable. Here in the UK it is possible for a company to get your details from your car registration using ANPR systems by paying a small fee to the licencing authority - it's the way of the world. I was asked for my email address recently for a copy of my receipt for future warranty claims.
Spyware in Windows 7 is generally introduced though malicious updates delivered by Windows Update, that came alongside the malware for the forced downgrade to Windows 10. An option to control it is to know which updates to avoid and block it. One good list of known malicious updates is this:
What are all the Windows 7/8/8.1 updates (KBs) I must skip to avoid Windows 10 upgrading -and nags-? - Super User
That list, among many others, includes updates that add adware of Windows 10 and some that add "telemetry" (which is the spyware). Check if you have some of those, uninstall them, then block in Windows Update.
Another know piece of spyware, bundled since day one, is the WER service, that is enabled by default and sends detailed data of every crashing program to MS. It's also a known NSA backdoor. Make sure to keep it disabled all the time.
Apart from that, just make sure to take the usual precautions. Run everything without administrative permissions, use a firewall and block everything but known programs (so potential spyware cannot send any data) and download and run only trusted software.
Apple is also widely known for spying on its users, and even upload data to its servers without user permission. Hardly a solution for this particular problem. Linux is much better in that aspect, and being open source brings a significant confidence in its autenticity.
While many programs include such invasive feature, it's also disabled by default and the user is explicitly asked about enabling it, it's easy to be aware that your data is leaking. Very different to the Win10 spyware that doesn't warns you at all, or the malicious 7 updates that bring the same kind of malware.
Take out of the equation people like us that are on forums like this one.
We learn and monitor things that most users have never heard of.
The Tom, Bill's, and Jane's normal users around the world have no idea what information they are disclosing to the world.
In my opinion that is the reason Microsoft built in the spying methods into W-10.
99% of the people don't know it's even happening and probably will never know.
Just my thoughts.
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