Microsoft’s New Privacy Statement on Details Data Collection Through Xbox One, Kinect

Microsoft to monitor communications "to the extent permitted by the law".

Posted By | On 01st, Nov. 2013

xbox one amd
Microsoft has finally revealed its new Privacy statement, which talks about data collected by the Xbox One and Kinect and what will stay private. One thing we know is that all forms of chatting will be monitored “to the extend permitted by the law”.

For the most part, Kinect appears safe in terms of facial recognition information gathered, with the information being deleted once you switch the console off. Kinect will “measure distances between key points on your face to create a numeric value that represents only you” and is represented as a “very long set of numbers”. Hence, “[n]o one could look at the numbers and know they represent you.” Regardless, the data stays on your console. Even the distance between your joints, represented by a stick-figure for properly tracking the player, are deleted once you turn the console off.

As for online play, “Microsoft may collect those numeric values to enable and improve gameplay and improve the gaming experience” with said values to be “destroyed after analysis is complete.” Players will also be able to decide what to do with photographs, voice commands and other information gathered.

Xbox One UI (2)

Now, when it comes to voice chat, whether over Kinect or otherwise, then you “should not expect any level of privacy concerning your use of the live communication features such as voice chat, video and communications in live-hosted gameplay sessions offered through the Services.” Microsoft will even monitor communications “to the extent permitted by law, but we cannot monitor the entire Service and make no attempt to do so.” Interestingly, “[c]ommunications in live-hosted gameplay sessions may also be broadcast to others.”

Regarding DVR recording: “When playing multiplayer on Xbox Live, any player in that session can use GameDVR to record their view of the gameplay taking place in that session. The recording may capture your in-game character and gamertag in the game clips created by other players in the gameplay session. No audio chat is recorded in these game clips.”

Skirting the edge of surveillance or very much within NSA-like borders? Let us know what you think of the new Privacy statement in the comments. The Xbox One will launch on November 22nd in 13 territories worldwide.


Amazing Articles You Might Want To Check Out!

Keep On Reading!

The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered Revamps Enemy Scaling, Encumbrance, and More

The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered Revamps Enemy Scaling, Encumbrance, and More

On top of 4K resolution and 60 FPS support, the Unreal Engine 5 remaster also revamps the HUD, UI, non-combat ...

Madden NFL 26 is Set for August 14 Release – Rumour

Madden NFL 26 is Set for August 14 Release – Rumour

According to reports, EA is expected to officially unveil the next game in its Madden NFL franchise some time ...

The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered Announced, Out Now for $49.99

The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered Announced, Out Now for $49.99

The remaster is playable on Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC, and sports a complete visual overhaul and various im...

PlayStation 5 Console Rentals Are Succeeding in Japan While Game Rentals Are Declining

PlayStation 5 Console Rentals Are Succeeding in Japan While Game Rentals Are Declining

Japanese retailer GEO had started offering PS5 consoles for rent back when hardware shortages were affecting s...

Marathon Developer Says Price is “Definitely Going to be a Conversation”

Marathon Developer Says Price is “Definitely Going to be a Conversation”

The studio has previously mentioned that Marathon will not be a full-priced game. Rumours indicate pricing sim...

Wuthering Waves x Cyberpunk: Edgerunners Collaboration Announced for 2026

Wuthering Waves x Cyberpunk: Edgerunners Collaboration Announced for 2026

This marks the action RPG's first collaboration and Edgerunners' second after Guilty Gear Strive adds Lucy to ...