14 DAY TRIAL // This isn’t the first time when Skype is accused of serving as a tool to spy on users in a specific country, but a new cyber censorship report published by Reporters Without Borders names Microsoft as one of the three companies that are often helping authorities do this.
Skype, Blue Coat Systems and Chinese IM service QQ are three of the most important companies supporting the “enemies of the Internet,” as the report calls the countries that are trying to monitor Internet users’ activity.
China, Bahrain, Iran, Syria and Vietnam are some of the countries that are allegedly spying on users and their activity when connected to the Internet.
Unsurprisingly, the Chinese division of Skype is the one accused by Reporters Without Borders for monitoring online activity of local users. Skype is offered in China with the help of TOM, a Chinese company that was several times accused of collaborating with state authorities to spy on users.
Microsoft, on the other hand, defends its Skype unit by explaining that its VoIP platform is offered to Chinese users through a local joint venture, so the Redmond-based technology giant wasn’t involved in any user tracking activities.
“As the majority partner in the joint venture, TOM Online has established procedures to meet its obligations under local laws. Even as a minority partner we understand we also have responsibilities. Microsoft is working to adopt appropriate changes that can be made to address the issues raised. We understand the passion our users have for Skype and are committed to taking concrete steps to further increase transparency and accountability,” the company told The Register in a statement.
In the meantime, the Russian version of Skype is also accused of monitoring users’ conversations, as local security agencies are reportedly using the application to track some people’ online activities.
As usual, Microsoft offers no comments on these reports, stating only that users’ privacy is very important for the company.