Privacy chiefs attack Xbox One

Xbox-Next-Gen-2013Xbox One, the next-generation games console revealed last week, has already run into trouble with data protection authorities following claims it will gather personal data – and potentially sell it to third parties – without users’ being able to stop it.
The console, which will go on sale later this year, has been described by Microsoft as an “all-in-one” system offering games, live TV, movies and music. It has secured an exclusive tie-up with the NFL and Hollywood legend Steven Spielberg is set to produce a Halo TV series for Xbox.
But the system also includes an update to the Kinect software, dubbed Kinect 2.0, which powers the motionary sensors. This not only allows Xbox One to listen and respond to commands even when powered down, it can also see in the dark, and monitor and potentially monetise users.
According to one Microsoft executive, the Kinect “understands the slightest rotation of wrist, shift balance, transfer of motion and when you’re exercising it can read your heartbeat”.
But German federal data protection commissioner Peter Schaar said: “The Xbox continuously records all sorts of personal information about me. Reaction rates, my learning or emotional states. [They] are then processed on an external server, and possibly even passed on to third parties. Whether they will ever deleted, the person cannot influence.”
Some reports have claimed this could include a clampdown on users who exceed certain viewing limits for copyrighted material. In simple terms, if you have too many people over to watch a movie you could be charged extra based on Kinect monitoring how many people are in the room.
However, the tracking software seems at odds with Microsoft’s current policy. Its most recent web browser update, Internet Explorer 10, comes with a “do not track” facility as standard. And its latest ad campaign makes great play on Microsoft’s moves to protect consumer privacy.

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