Microsoft's data collection practices are under scrutiny, as a recent report suggests the Outlook for Windows app might be sharing more user information than expected. With this app now default on Windows 11, the impact could be widespread. ProtonMail, a competitor to Outlook, discovered that user data collected includes emails, contacts, browsing history, and potentially location data. They even labeled Outlook for Windows as "a surveillance tool for targeted advertising." Users are automatically opted in to share their data with hundreds of third parties, mainly for advertising. Opting out involves a manual process for each of the 772 companies, making it cumbersome for users. This discovery raises concerns about user privacy, especially for those who use Outlook for daily communication and work-related tasks.
Microsoft is no stranger to data privacy issues, and recent reports indicate that Outlook for Windows might be playing a part in it. Last year, concerns were raised about Windows 11 collecting and sending data even before users connected to the internet. This time, ProtonMail, a direct competitor of Microsoft's email services, has shed light on data collection practices by Outlook for Windows, labelling it as "a surveillance tool for targeted advertising."
However, it's crucial to consider ProtonMail's position as a privacy-focused service competing with Microsoft. Their motive to criticise Outlook for Windows should be taken into account, as they aim to highlight the superiority of their own privacy and security features.
Outlook for Windows being a free app raises questions about how Microsoft supports it. Some argue that user data is used to support the app and introduce new features. While users can opt out of data sharing, the process is not as straightforward as it could be, requiring a per-advertiser toggle click rather than a simple 'reject all' button.
Actions to take
If the data-sharing concerns have you on edge, opting out is possible. Navigate to the 'General' section in your Outlook for Windows settings and find 'Advertising Preferences.' Here, a list of companies with toggles set to 'enable' will be displayed. While there's no universal 'reject all' button, each advertiser allows you to learn more about their privacy policies and opt out.
Creating a new Outlook email account may present an easier option, as the 'reject all' option appeared during testing. However, for existing accounts, manually deselecting advertisers is the route to take.
This scenario prompts us to reconsider the trade-off between free apps and data sharing. While Microsoft appears to make turning off data sharing relatively straightforward, it emphasizes the importance of scrutinizing user agreements and disclaimers for free apps, particularly those from Microsoft.
Protect Your Data
In an era where data privacy is paramount, understanding how apps utilise your information is crucial. As you use free apps like Outlook for Windows, take the time to review and adjust your settings to protect your data. Being proactive ensures that you are in control of what information is shared and with whom. Stay informed, stay secure.
