At Microsoft, we take our responsibilities for protecting your privacy very seriously. It’s a priority across all our businesses, and an area where we continue to work closely with others throughout academia, government and industry. And while we don’t pretend to have all of the answers, we do want to help raise awareness for how you can have greater choice and control as you browse the web.
To that end, today we are launching a new consumer awareness campaign focused on online privacy, with resources at www.Microsoft.com/YourPrivacy. We want to help people learn more about the tools and technologies Microsoft provides that give them have greater control over personal information as they browse the web and use their favorite Microsoft devices. As part of this, we’re also launching an advertising campaign to kick start awareness and conversation. Here’s an example of the TV spot:
You can also take a new online quiz called Your Privacy Type to help you discover your privacy tendencies and preferences, along with tips on how to turn your newfound awareness into action.
As important as privacy is to most of us when we’re asked, it can still be a complicated matter.
Very few of us believe that sharing some personal data online is a bad thing. It’s part of our everyday routines to fill out profiles, login to sites, and oftentimes provide personal information like our credit card or phone numbers in order to take advantage of all the web has to offer. In fact, the more personal and relevant the web gets, the better it can get.
Yet, at some point, we all draw a line where we are uncomfortable sharing more. And when we think we’re being tracked, particularly by those we may not have a direct relationship with, our tolerance drops. And while tracking isn’t bad per se, we typically reach our information-sharing breaking point with very personal data, like items related to our kids or our health. That said, everyone is unique when it comes to what we feel comfortable sharing with whom.
Providing customers with the tools and technology that allow you to have more choice and control is something Microsoft has been doing for quite some time, and today’s products like Internet Explorer, Windows, Xbox, and Outlook.com make it easier to manage and control your privacy.
As we look forward, the privacy conversations will certainly continue and evolve. It has been great to see those organizations that have come out in support of our approach to privacy. Microsoft is committed to stay engaged with consumers as well as government, industry and consumer-advocacy partners to help better define the line between public and private while offering more controls through technology.
Ryan Gavin
General Manager, Windows