Windows 10 Technical Preview contains a keylogger

Don’t freak out. Source: AFP

 

Developer previews and beta releases aren’t consumer software — they’re for testing, or at the very least, preparing devs for approaching the platform. And while this is obviously the case for Microsoft’s Windows 10 Technical Preview, the idea of a company watching your every keystroke is no less uncomfortable. 

According to The Inquirer, Microsoft has admitted to monitoring file usage within the preview version of Windows 10, up to and including keylogging. The company has responded to concerns over the language in its Privacy Statement by reminding everyone it’s not a consumer product and users have agreed to the policy.

Windows 10’s updated user interface. Source: IGN

 

“Users who join the Windows Insider Program and opt-in to the Windows 10 Technical Preview are choosing to provide data and feedback that will help shape the best Windows experience for our customers,” said Microsoft in a released statement.

But before you work yourself into a frenzy and drop Windows for a tinfoil hat and Linux, Microsoft claims the privacy statement may change in the future. Or, at the very least, the company will be less inconspicuous on the matter.

“As always, we remain committed to helping protect our customers’ personal information and ensuring safeguards are in place for the collection and storing of that data,” says Microsoft. “As we get closer to a final product, we will continue to share information through our terms of service and privacy statement about how customer data is collected and used, as well as what choices and controls are available.”

news.com.au 8 Oct 2014

Trust us, we only log your data and open backdoors to your personal computer, so that we can give you a better experience in providing the [censored] information we deem optimal for your needs.

This is a 'beta' test, for the official release, where your every key stroke WILL be monitored, regardless of opt in choice.