14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has implemented new telemetry settings in its Office productivity suite, offering just two different settings and without letting users opt out.
A report from The Reg indicates that this behavior was implemented earlier this month and is pushed with a UI that requires users to Share how you use Office. There are two different options displayed on the screen, namely full diagnostic data and basic diagnostic data, with no other setting offered to those who don’t want to share any information with Microsoft.
“Diagnostic data is used to keep Office secure and up-to-date, troubleshoot problems, and make product improvements. Choose an option below and select “Accept”. You can change this setting at any time,” the same dialog reads.
According to Microsoft itself, the basic level sends information like Office settings, device capabilities, and app crashes, while the full setting includes details about how you use apps, features, and devices with enhanced error reporting.
The cited source notes that this new telemetry service is available on both Windows and Mac, and it is also displayed to existing Microsoft Office users, despite Microsoft explaining that it only shows up when installing the productivity suite.
Data used to improve Office performance
We haven’t been offered the new data collection configuration screen and there are no telemetry settings in Microsoft Office.
Microsoft has reportedly confirmed this behavior in a statement, explaining that users can control their data from the company’s privacy dashboard.
“As you use Office, we collect diagnostic information that helps us find and address issues, improve our products and services, and provide you with customized experiences,” a company spokesperson was quoted as saying.
Telemetry services are most often used by companies to collect information that’s critical for diagnosing bugs and delivering patches to ensure smooth performance of their software. Microsoft has previously come under fire for collecting user data from Windows 10 devices, so some clarification for Office customers would certainly be helpful.