Microsoft's Spy Guide: What You Need to Know

[Frands]

Hi there  :)

If someone will explain me what this is about, I'll be happy:

http://www.pcworld.com/article/190233/microsofts_spy_guide_what_you_need_to_know.html?tk=nl_wvx_h_cbintro

http://www.scribd.com/doc/27394899/Microsoft-Spy

[Corrine]

Essentially it is a document of the policies that Microsoft follows with regard to data retention to its services.  In the event of illegal activity, the information law enforcement agencies must provide is documented in the "Microsoft-Spy" document.

Say, for example, someone stole a laptop and obtained access to the owner's e-mail, banking and credit card information.  By providing the appropriate documentation to Microsoft, the police would be able to receive a report of the IP addresses used to access Microsoft services.  With that information, they would be better able to track the thief.

All services have similar policies in place.  In face, included in the LzD forum registration agreement is the following wording:

The owners of this forum also reserve the right to reveal your identity (or any other related information collected on this service) in the event of a formal complaint or legal action arising from any situation caused by your use of this forum.

Of course the only information the forum software retains is the IP Address used with each post and the e-mail address used for registration.  However, credit-card companies, banking institutions and the like have significantly more information to match with the IP address used for account access/transactions.

[Frands]

Hi Corrine,
Thank you very much for your answer. It made things easier for me to understand :) . It's fair enough for forensic work. It always good if the authorities are able to find people that can't behave themselves on the net.