Microsoft has released a new preview build for the Fast Ring of the Windows Insider program for Windows 10. The update with version number 19577 includes various changes to the problem and a change to the settings menu Diagnosis and feedback (via Heise).
However, this adjustment does not affect the collection of telemetry data itself, which users can control to a limited extent via the menu. Instead, Microsoft changes the names of the two available setting options.
What is the background of the change?
In the official Windows blog, Microsoft states that these changes take place as part of its own initiative.
The declared goal of the initiative: »Increase transparency and control over data«.
If the changes previously communicated only in English are translated, in the future there will be the following two options with regard to sending diagnostic data:
- "Standard" becomes "Required"
- "Complete" becomes "Optional"
It remains to be seen which language regulation Microsoft will ultimately choose for the German language version of Windows 10.
Criticism of Microsoft
As the reference to the said initiative suggests, Microsoft is responding with this conceptual change to the continuing concerns of data protection officers about the data hunger of Windows 10.
Since the release of the operating system, the company has repeatedly been criticized for too much data collected and too little transparency and setting options. The most extensive control over the data sent is currently reserved for volume license holders.
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It is hard to assume that Microsoft can eliminate the discussions about Windows 10 as a potential "data octopus" with such an adjustment.
At the same time, voices are already being heard, which is particularly a thorn in the side of the label “Required” for the diagnostic data, because one could understand them in such a way that they would be absolutely essential for the operation of Windows 10 (which is not the case).
Shutdown desired: Basically, it is not uncommon for software of various types to determine diagnostic data, also because it can help with troubleshooting and further development. Nevertheless, many users of Windows 10 would like to be able to completely prevent the sending of the diagnostic data.
