14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has finally managed to define its position when it comes to advertising on the Xbox One using the Kinect motion tracking system and says that commercial content can be delivered as long as the user specifically opts into a program.
A spokesperson says in an official statement for Eurogamer that, “Will not target ads to you based on any data Kinect collects unless you choose to allow us to do so.”
The company adds, “we will give you a clear explanation of what is collected and how it will be used. Importantly, we do not collect your personal information to share or sell to third parties, and you are fully in control over what personal data is shared.”
Microsoft also says that it has clear and strict policies for the Xbox One that are designed to make sure that privacy for all those who use the coming hardware is preserved.
When the hardware was first announced, earlier in the year, the company said that Kinect was integral to the experience and would always be on, even if gamers were not using it in any way.
Since then, the company has bowed to the pressure coming from potential players and has decided that motion tracking can be turned off and the console will notify gamers when it needs to be turned on.
This is the latest in a number of major policy changes that the company has made, after dropping a DRM scheme and adding a headset to the package.
Microsoft can collect a lot of personal data via the Xbox One and some privacy advocates are worried that the information could be sold to third parties in order to allow them to better target advertising.
The new home console will be out on November 22 in 13 core markets and will be offered in the rest of the world in 2014.