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But the reality is, the Windows 10 privacy agreement isn’t so much a revelation as a sign of the
times. While it has understandably stirred up some controversy, it hasn’t inspired a mass exodus
from use of Microsoft software or products.

This is as it should be, because most of us know that it isn’t different with the developers of other
major operating systems and mobile operating systems…like Apple and Google.

Siri’s telling everyone what you did last night

Sure, Apple and Google may have made a show of their commitment to user privacy, with
smartphone encryption and very convincing, public battles with high-profile government agencies.

Apple has admitted Siri voice data is being sent to third parties

But you shouldn’t let these PR stunts fool you. Even when these
companies have the best intentions, there is still a bottom line at
the end of the day, and that’s money.

Don’t believe us? Cortana isn’t the only personal assistant who
likes to abuse your privacy. Apple hands your voice recordings
over to third parties for analysis, and you agreed to it in the
privacy agreement. Whether it’s a personal message to your
sweetheart or your child asking Siri silly questions, Apple stores
those messages for two years and essentially does with them
what they want.

It might be tempting to switch over to Google Now for your voice commands, but that would come at
the cost of both your privacy and sanity. Google Now has a feature called Now cards, which are
recommendations for products, services, and information based on your messages and recent
searches.

Even if you don’t rely on Google Now too much for
recommendations, Google already knows so much about you
because at some point you have probably used their products or
services.

And if you use Gmail, you’ll note that Google has been serving
ads through Gmail for some time now – and if you haven’t noticed
any, just check under your Gmail’s “Promotions” tab.

They get information straight out of your private emails to help
their ad network partners target you. It’s right there in their
privacy agreement.

Microsoft even attacked Gmail over these privacy violations and
launched a “You got Scroogled” marketing campaign.

48 Cyber Warnings E-Magazine – September 2015 Edition
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