14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft is again facing user privacy violation accusations, this time in Brazil where federal prosecutors have filed a lawsuit against the company, seeking a fine of $2.87 million.
The software giant collects user data without users’ consent, prosecutors have been quoted as saying by Reuters, and the default settings of Windows 10 provide the firm with access to information like browsing and search history, email content, and location.
Microsoft has thus been asked to adjust the default installation of the operating system and remove the data collection, with prosecutors claiming that what the company is trying to do is generate revenue using customer data that would be then used for targeted advertising.
Furthermore, they acknowledge that while there are settings to opt out of data collection, the process is too complex for home users, and even if this functionality is disabled, some details are still sent to Microsoft’s servers.
15 days to comply
As part of the investigation, government agencies are warned about the risks of having their data submitted to Microsoft, and the company is required to update Windows 10 with better privacy controls that help users understand how the data collection process works and how to opt out.
“The procedure violates innumerous constitutional principals, such as the privacy protection,” the federal prosecutors office in Sao Paulo was quoted a saying.
In addition to the said fine, prosecutors also demand a penalty of 100,000 reais ($28,700) for each day Microsoft continues to collect user data. The company is being asked to stop the process within 15 days.
Microsoft has been under fire for the way it handles user privacy in Windows 10 in several other countries, including in the European Union. The company eventually implemented a series of new privacy controls in Windows 10, such as tools to let users see the data that is collected from their systems and remove it completely.
Microsoft hasn’t offered a statement in this new lawsuit, as the company is most likely working with Brazilian authorities on addressing the privacy concerns.