The New York Times reports on a new policy implemented by Microsoft allowing it “broad leeway” over how it collects and processes information from consumers using its free, web-based services. Unlike Google’s policy changes earlier this year, “Almost no one noticed” Microsoft’s change, the report states, adding, “The difference in the two events illustrates the confusion surrounding Internet consumer privacy.” Consumer Watchdog’s John Simpson said, “What Microsoft is doing is no different from what Google did,” adding, “It allows the combination of data across services in ways a user wouldn’t reasonably expect.” A Microsoft spokesman said, “one thing we don’t do is use the content of our customers’ private communications and documents to create targeted advertising.” (Registration may be required to access this story.)
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