Ethics of Apple and Microsoft OSs “Phoning Home”

The ethics of Apple and Microsoft operating systems “phoning home” can be examined from several perspectives: privacy, transparency, and user control.

Privacy: One of the main concerns surrounding the practice of a software “phoning home” is its potential impact on user privacy. When an operating system sends user data or telemetry back to the company without explicit consent, it raises questions about the extent to which user privacy is being respected. Users may feel that their personal information is being shared without their knowledge or control, potentially violating their privacy rights.

Transparency: Another aspect to consider is the transparency of the practice. Users should be well-informed about what data is being collected, how it is being used, and whether or not they have the ability to opt-out or control the data sharing. Lack of transparency can undermine trust between users and the company, especially if users feel that they are being kept in the dark about the extent and purpose of data collection.

User control: Ethical concerns also arise if users do not have sufficient control over the data being shared. Users should have the ability to easily disable or customize the data sharing options according to their preferences. Without this control, users may feel coerced or manipulated into unknowingly sharing their data.

Microsoft admits Windows Genuine Advantage spies on users “If you’ve noticed some unexplained traffic on your network every day, it could be Windows Genuine Advantage. As Matt on M-Dollar pointed out last night, Microsoft admitted that the antipiracy tool “phones home” on a daily basis. The software giant characterized the application’s behavior as a safety measure designed to ensure that the program doesn’t malfunction as it’s still a “pilot program. … Microsoft has not disclosed what information the application is transmitting…” – {ArsRxh, WinSec}

It is worth noting that both Apple and Microsoft have implemented measures to address these concerns. For example, Apple’s iOS and macOS offer users the ability to control and limit data sharing through various privacy settings. Microsoft’s Windows 10 provides users with options to customize telemetry settings and control data collection.

Ultimately, the ethics of Apple and Microsoft OSs “phoning home” depend on the level of transparency, user consent, and control provided. By ensuring that users are well-informed, have control over their data, and can make clear choices regarding data sharing, these companies can demonstrate a commitment to user privacy and ethics.

Proper Control Pipe Dream

The only way to make this legitimate is to prohibit encrypted telemetry by law from user devices (computers, tablets, phones) to operating system and software makers and their affiliates. Unencrypted telemetry may be sent with user permission only. Encryption can not be allowed because software makers can use it to hide the fact that they are exfiltrating (stealing) user created content on their devices.

The Reality

These restrictions will not happen because the current legal basis for the processing of telemetry data is something vague called “Legitimate interest.” The view taken by courts so far is that processing of telemetry data is often necessary to safeguard the interests pursued by software companies and interests of the software providers outweigh the interests of the data subjects. The interests of the software providers are in fact, however, offset by the fundamental rights of users to respect their private lives and the protection of personal data. This is pursuant to Art. 7 and Art. 8 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. This is why prohibiting data from being sent out of any computer must be controllable by the owner of the computer.

Who Owns Your Operating System that You Purchased?

Answer: Not you, chump.

When you purchase an operating system, you are granted a license to use the software rather than owning it outright. The ownership of the operating system still remains with the company or individual who developed it. For example, if you purchase a Microsoft Windows operating system, the ownership remains with Microsoft. The license agreement defines the terms and conditions of use, and it may also include restrictions on copying, modifying, or redistributing the software.

What About Linux?

Yes, this is still a valid answer in 2023. Get it while you can and learn enough to secure your system from various kinds of hardware based leaks.

The Linux operating system is not owned by any single entity or individual. It is an open-source project, meaning that it is developed collaboratively by a community of developers worldwide. Linus Torvalds is the original creator of the Linux kernel, and he continues to oversee its development, but he does not own the entire operating system. Instead, Linux is released under the GNU General Public License (GPL), which grants users the freedom to use, modify, and distribute the software.

Privacy is possible. Vote with your action, reclaim your privacy today.