Xbox One “Meets the Definition of a Surveillance Device”

Not a gaming device though. Nope.


Worried that the Xbox One and the constant connection of Kinect 2.0 would constitute a privacy breach? You aren’t the only one who thinks it sucks – or that it’s illegal. In fact, speaking to GamesFIX, Civil Liberties Australia director Tim Vines stated that the game is pretty much a surveillance device.

“People should have the ability to turn off the camera or microphone, even if it limits the functionality of the machine. Of course, if Microsoft doesn’t allow that (control), then people should vote with their wallets and skip the next Xbox.”

“Microsoft’s new Xbox meets the definition of a surveillance device under some Australian laws, so they need to be upfront and tell customers whether anyone else can intercept their information or remotely access their device.”

Maybe they could fit that in during talks of TV, Sports, Call of Duty, Halo and doggies? Who knows? As of now, Microsoft is still trying to navigate the PR mind-field that the Xbox One has become, with used game sales, indie development and online authentication (besides lack of games) being some of the bigger issues.

Kinect 2.0MicrosoftXbox One