Home Gaming Microsoft will “aggressively challenge” Kinect spying

Microsoft will “aggressively challenge” Kinect spying

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Loompa

If there’s one thing that’s still making people a little wary of the Xbox One now that the online DRM has been removed, it’s that the console could potentially be used to spy on you. People are worried that the console and its connected Kinect would be a violation of privacy. Microsoft really, really, really wants you to know that that’s not the case.

Microsoft has now said that even if Kinect did record you all the time; and it doesn’t they say; but if it did, they would not give that information up to governments, and would “aggressively challenge” any attempts for that data.

“Absent a new law, we don’t believe the government has the legal authority to compel us or any other company that makes products with cameras and microphones to start collecting voice and video data,” a Microsoft spokesperson told The Verge, regarding Kinect and privacy. “We’d aggressively challenge in court any attempts to try and force us to do so.”

They also re-iterated that there’d be a light on the device to let you know if it was recording anything, and that when it was off, it would only listen for the  “Xbox On” voice command. Of course, the claims that Microsoft would spy on you using a console are downright silly, considering just about any piece of modern tech – such as a cellphone, tablet, or particularly fancy fridge – has an embedded camera and microphone.

thatswhattheywantyoutobelieve

Of course, the claims that Microsoft has given governments logs of Skype chats and video calls – even though those apparently aren’t recorded either – probably doesn’t help their case much. Honestly though, I really have no privacy fears regarding the Xbox One. If the NSA or any other government agency really, really wants pictures or videos of my playing games in my underwear then they can have them.

 

Last Updated: July 23, 2013

61 Comments

  1. Admiral Chief Groot Wors

    July 23, 2013 at 13:01

    WAHAHAHAHAHAHA the AFRISIAN strikes back.

    We have a fight on our hands dear fellow readers of Lagz!!!

    Game on!

    Reply

    • Sir Rants-a-Lot Llew

      July 23, 2013 at 13:06

      That is a legendary strike back. And so amazingly subtle!

      It’s amazeballs!

      Reply

  2. Admiral Chief Groot Wors

    July 23, 2013 at 13:01

    Also, NOT falling for that one MS, sounds more like BS

    Reply

    • John Ambitious

      July 23, 2013 at 14:00

      I think it’s totally believable. I mean when it comes to MS we know that we can always trust them to do the right thing. To do the thing that the customers want and what is best for them. We can trust that for MS it’s never about money, it’s always about service and loyalty. Their slogan, “your potential our passion” is proof of how serious they are. If they did not believe so then why would they say that? I believe in MS. I believe in a better world for us all.

      Reply

  3. Spathi

    July 23, 2013 at 13:07

    Take note: The government can’t force you to record (or collect data), BUT, nothing is stated about you not having to hand over stuff that is already being logged. Kinect will recognize products in your house for advertisement, so obviously they do record. The government can then force you to hand over that recorded data. It’s the same as in SA law where a company may be subpoenaed for info or documents.

    Reply

    • Johan du Preez

      July 23, 2013 at 13:23

      Yup but whats even more scary is people is fine with it hey they are not criminals so why hide ?

      Next thing they will record keywords like “Fuck Obama” or whatever then as soon as you say this you are on the travel watch list and the NSA start actively tapping the Kinect through means of the patriot act and you wont know.

      This is just an example and I think it can be used to sniffle free speech in the future. They already do this on the net now they will have a cam inside your living room with voice recording.

      But hey its fine I have nothing to hide … rofl

      Reply

      • TiMsTeR1033

        July 23, 2013 at 13:25

        CRAP! I make insults about politicians and shit! what will the future bring! my desmise over a joke

        Reply

        • Spathi

          July 23, 2013 at 13:59

          Look at what happened to that kid from Canada about his comment (tasteless) regarding shooting up a kindergarten. I don’t condone his sense of humour or what he said, but it seems kinda harsh. What will happen when you make jokes with friends while at home?

          SUPER TINFOILHAT MODE ENGAGED!

          Reply

  4. Jakster

    July 23, 2013 at 13:11

    Bleh…I don’t even trust Disqus. For all I know they could be sending off comments to ‘Server X”

    Reply

    • Ultimo_Cleric N7

      July 23, 2013 at 14:35

      Whatever you do, dont look behind you……

      Reply

  5. Johan du Preez

    July 23, 2013 at 13:15

    lol is anyone actually considering buying this ? So you are fine with MS techies having access to a cam inside your living room the light can be disabled through a software switch?

    Just wow ….

    Reply

    • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

      July 23, 2013 at 13:37

      Facial recognition software don’t need an office block filled with techies… nor does voice and sentence monitoring software.

      Reply

  6. RinceWind

    July 23, 2013 at 13:17

    Round 2, FIGHT! HAHAHAH! Nice reply Geoff, nice reply…

    Reply

  7. Mark Treloar

    July 23, 2013 at 13:18

    So that quote is very interesting, when you consider that the US government is able to scan youtube videos for keywords and flag those videos for further investigation. Of course Microsoft has stated info collected will be text based and will probably make it far easier for then to flag info they consider a potential threat.

    Reply

  8. Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

    July 23, 2013 at 13:19

    We are Microsoft and we are the vanguard of protecting our consumers from the prying eyes of big government… We believe in your privacy and your protection is our first priority… oh.. you have a warrant Mr NSA agent, please take all the FILES! TAKE EVERYTHING!!! ALSO TAKE THESE FILES FROM SOME BEARDED FOLK FROM THE THIRD WORLD!! YES THEY DO LOOK LIKE TERRORISTS!!!

    Reply

    • Mark Treloar

      July 23, 2013 at 13:21

      Google is fighting this in court because they don’t actually need a warrant. If they request it they have to comply.

      Reply

      • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

        July 23, 2013 at 13:32

        Which makes it even less likely that Microsoft will fight any request. There’s one thing I’ve learnt about the big M over the years, NEVER trust what they say. They’re one of the slimiest multinational in the tech world.

        Just notice how Google is the only one fighting it in court, Microsoft is silent about the issue, and only started to comment when the masses were starting to make noise. Disgusting corporation!

        Reply

        • TiMsTeR1033

          July 23, 2013 at 13:34

          Prob part of the illuminati seriously I kid you not Warner bros is apparently involved in serious bad shit and that just another big name

          Reply

        • OVG

          July 23, 2013 at 13:48

          I am your Vanguard, I am your destruction. Your existence is futile. You will be indoctrinated into MS assimilation.

          XBOX… ON!!!

          Reply

          • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

            July 23, 2013 at 13:51

            Oh NO! OVG HAS BEEN INDOCTRINATED!!!

          • OVG

            July 23, 2013 at 13:57

            take my money, take my money, take my money, take my money,

            ARGHHHHH I am trying to break away but the EYE has such a grip on me… ARggghhh

            I have loob for MS exec, I have loob for MS exec, I have loob for MS exec

            ARGHHHHHH I have a sudden urge to pay EXTRA for my gaming experience and BUY another MANDATORY device that is a fucking waste of……..

            take my money, take my money… SONY MUST BE ELIMINATED!!!

          • Ultimo_Cleric N7

            July 23, 2013 at 14:34

            MS: I WILL DIRECT THIS PERSONALLY. THIS HURTS YOU.

        • Mike E. Delta

          July 23, 2013 at 17:08

          …OR perhaps Google is just winning your confidence with the publicity? Google = Microsoft, whatever one does the other does just the same, why would they be different, are they both not businesses and companies? An ad agency is DEFINITELY not my friend, let alone any corporation…share the revulsion equally.

          Reply

  9. Mark Treloar

    July 23, 2013 at 13:19

    • TiMsTeR1033

      July 23, 2013 at 13:23

      thats flipping disturbing! imagine it can pull up all your records! offer debt shit or for people who look at porn offering them subscriptions! while other ppl have to look at that. Would make walking around some places annoying! l for one do not like that idea

      Reply

      • Mark Treloar

        July 23, 2013 at 13:29

        imagine you are with your mother and it shows porn? Is it because of you or her?

        Reply

        • TiMsTeR1033

          July 23, 2013 at 13:30

          >_< that would be bad! never thought Id see minority report shit already! the end is near man seriously bible shit coming true at this rate!

          Reply

    • RinceWind

      July 23, 2013 at 13:24

      I won’t be sleeping tonight. FOILHAT ENGAGE!

      Reply

  10. OVG

    July 23, 2013 at 13:26

    NO SALE!!!
    Press x to start PLAYING. PLAYstation FOUR.

    Fcuk off with your Trojan horse of an overly expensive, needless MENU interface called KINECT.

    Reply

    • TiMsTeR1033

      July 23, 2013 at 13:27

      but you can talk to miss piggy and kermit on kinect 2!

      Reply

      • OVG

        July 23, 2013 at 13:36

        YOU MEAN SHOUT, LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA

        and crash project Prisms data farm RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!

        Reply

        • TiMsTeR1033

          July 23, 2013 at 13:37

          *walks away* I saw nothing

          Reply

  11. Brenz

    July 23, 2013 at 13:27

    Scaly buggers will do anything for the right price.
    Maybe they are not actively planning on spying per say, but they will sell live feeds of you to fetish sites you can be guaranteed.
    and ya right, we wont be watching if the light is off, how about no!
    If you believe that you will believe that Bill Clinton did not have sexual relations with that woman, and Zimbabwe do have free and fair elections.

    Reply

    • TiMsTeR1033

      July 23, 2013 at 13:28

      kinect 2 can see you in the dark so if you and the mrs having fun it sees all! hears all and sells all to ex girl friends.com!

      Reply

      • Brenz

        July 23, 2013 at 13:30

        thats what im talking about.
        and what if you happen to be sitting in your underwear eating a bowl of cereal and a banana and happen to get an idea that leads to another idea and next thing you know its all over fetishtube.com or something like that.

        Reply

        • TiMsTeR1033

          July 23, 2013 at 13:31

          okay dont follow the bananana maybe if your a woman maybe then. but with a guy i dont follow.

          Reply

          • Brenz

            July 23, 2013 at 13:36

            im just saying, it could happen, you never know

          • TiMsTeR1033

            July 23, 2013 at 13:39

            I still dont know what could happen. A guy eating cerel and a bananana and that goes bad…… Perhaps in a gay porno movie yes but in real world …… but yeah with a woman i see

          • Brenz

            July 23, 2013 at 13:41

            you have to use your imagination in situations like these, i cant explain it, this is a family site, with youngens and ladies present

          • TiMsTeR1033

            July 23, 2013 at 13:43

            youngens and ladies where?

        • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

          July 23, 2013 at 13:35

          Wait.. what? 😮

          Reply

          • TiMsTeR1033

            July 23, 2013 at 13:36

            ppl gonna watch your brothers and sisters be eaten! EATEN I SAY! or perhaps use them and abuse them…….. sexually! SEXUALLY!

        • Mike E. Delta

          July 23, 2013 at 17:10

          Chatroulette, anyone? =p

          Reply

  12. Ultimo_Cleric N7

    July 23, 2013 at 13:28

    “Absent a new law, we don’t believe the government has the legal authority to compel us or any other company that makes products with cameras and microphones to start collecting voice and video data,” a Microsoft spokesperson told The Verge, regarding Kinect and privacy. “We’d aggressively challenge in court any attempts to try and force us to do so.”
    Yeah, if you were FORCED TO DO SO/ COMPELLED. Clever wording there Microsoft. This is a great deflection, you didnt actually answer the question. You were not asked if you would do so if forced, YOU WERE ASKED IF YOU WOULD DO SO AT ALL. This does not answer the question of you willingly giving the info away………
    TINFOIL HATS ENGAGE!!!!!!

    Reply

    • Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

      July 23, 2013 at 13:34

      Kinect will spy on us! Death to the XBONE! QUICK COMRADES, GRAB A BERET!!

      Reply

      • John Ambitious

        July 23, 2013 at 14:06

        The guys over at MS clearly still thinks I SPY is an exciting game.

        Reply

        • Mike E. Delta

          July 23, 2013 at 17:11

          Cloak & Dagger: Anniversary Edition

          Reply

  13. TiMsTeR1033

    July 23, 2013 at 13:41

    Daryns an Ommpa loompa!

    Reply

    • Exalted Overlord Geoffrey Tim

      July 23, 2013 at 13:56

      Kinder descriptor than I have for him. 😛

      Reply

      • TiMsTeR1033

        July 23, 2013 at 14:02

        nice job on the photoshop editing. I can only imagine what your description is lol

        Reply

    • HvR

      July 23, 2013 at 14:55

      The one on the right looks a lot like Neil Pattrick Harris.

      Reply

  14. Sageville

    July 23, 2013 at 14:08

    HAHA!

    MS used the same “aggressively challenge” term when it was talking about being forced to dish out email encryption bypasses. It still happened.

    Basically MS is telling us that they don’t INTEND to actively spy on us, but they will just shrug their shoulders if the NSA tells them otherwise.

    It’s now fact that the big companies like MS are just NSA bitches, they can’t even “aggressively challenge” that fact.

    Reply

    • HvR

      July 23, 2013 at 14:56

      So MS how were you forced to hand over the recording?

      They didn’t say Please.

      Reply

    • Mike E. Delta

      July 23, 2013 at 17:12

      …and the last time YOU aggressively challenged the NSA was..? O-o

      Reply

      • Sageville

        July 24, 2013 at 01:56

        I wrote them a scathing letter last week, they said they were sorry. I told them it better not happen again, then they started asking me about you…. I told them everything.

        Reply

        • Mike E. Delta

          July 24, 2013 at 02:05

          Ah, well…then I guess it’ll be my turn next. Thanks for the heads up! My CO will want a report immediately… ????

          Reply

  15. Sting-Ray

    July 23, 2013 at 15:46

    now I’ll have that song in my head for the next several weeks. /facepalm

    Reply

  16. Mike E. Delta

    July 23, 2013 at 17:02

    I still would like them to address a certain accusation that floats out there about the susceptibility of the console to outside invasion, aka hackers…I don’t really see how, but it would be nice to hear it from them what it actually has in place that would prevent this from happening. Like the application sandboxing, or Windows 8 Defender built in, or how can their cloud possibly be secure with connections to devices and such…UEFI, how? Still can’t wait for all these things to be over and done with, so I don’t have to hear the nasally allegations any longer. =

    Reply

  17. Daniel Keevy

    July 23, 2013 at 19:03

    If you trust any huge software/hardware conglomerate to keep your information from government, you’re going to have a bad time.

    Reply

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