What does Microsoft do with my contacts list?

Anonymous
2015-02-17T14:30:24+00:00

I tried to sign up to receive email information from the program related to the Windows 10 upgrade and during the process I was informed that Microsoft wants to have access to my contacts list.

Now that is a very serious request, so there must be a fair bit of documentation about why Microsoft wants access to my contacts list -- where might that documentation be found?

What exactly will Microsoft do with my contacts list?

Who at Microsoft will be able to view the list?

And I will probably have more questions as those answers come in.

I did try to use the search tool here for answers, but without any luck, so if I made a mistake during that search, please forgive me.

Thank you to all that may be able to offer some help here.

Windows Insider program | Windows Insider preview | Security, privacy, and accounts

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2015-02-19T17:13:06+00:00

Hi,

I understand the importance of you query. Please get in touch with the Microsoft Privacy Response Center who would be able to assist you.

Thank you.

Was this answer helpful?

1 person found this answer helpful.
0 comments

80 additional answers

Sort by: Oldest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. btbt 11,841 Reputation points
    2015-02-20T14:24:08+00:00

    I'm curious, what website did you go to to sign up for this? I was not guided to any external vendor when I signed up for the Insider program.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2015-02-20T14:36:17+00:00

    This all started for me at this page:

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/about?ocid=WIN10_0_WOL_Hero_Home_Windows-10_Null_01

    And a little bit down I saw this box and that "Sign up for email" button.

    Free Upgrade Offer

    Great news! We will offer a free upgrade to Windows 10 for qualified new or existing Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and Windows Phone 8.1 devices that upgrade in the first year!*  And even better: once a qualified Windows device is upgraded to Windows 10, we will continue to keep it up to date for the supported lifetime of the device, keeping it more secure, and introducing new features and functionality over time – for no additional charge. Sign up with your email today, and we will send you more information about Windows 10 and the upgrade offer in the coming months.

    --> Button --> "Sign up for email"

    At that point I think I remember I stuck my email address in and the password and then I saw that next page that asked, for one thing, about viewing my contacts.

    hpholm did his post on page one with the hyper-link for that company and that is where I was just visiting.

    But where this all fits into Windows Insider I am, at this writing still foggy about because I don't remember.

    I think I've been at this for about three days and I just got back in the door after taking care of other work today and need to look at my notes from about three dyas ago.

    The other company is this one _ http://catalysis.com/

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2015-02-20T15:18:59+00:00

    Okay, I just repeated the process and my memory was correct.

    After I clicked on that button there was a quick jump from one page to the regular email login page, which I think is called live something, right?

    Then I see that page about the app and I put a copy of that on page one after the first response.

    And there is a choice -- 'Yes' or 'No'. 

    If you click 'No' which I just did then we end up here:

    https://winpreview.catalysis.com/processlogin.aspx?error=access_denied&error_description=The%20user%20has%20denied%20access%20to%20the%20scope%20requested%20by%20the%20client%20application.

    I just grabbed screenshots of the whole process, and I still contend that Microsoft needs to clearly inform all customers they are agreeing to terms for a whole different company, not terms from Microsoft.  I think many people click 'Yes' and never realize they just agreed to rules set forth by a company they know nothing about and have no experience with.

    True, some people know about that catalysis.com company, but I'd bet a whole bunch of folks don't.  And didn't when they clicked the 'Yes' button.  Only reason I didn't fall for this "trap" is I am naturally a coward and if I think I'm heading into trouble I back up really fast.  I have a great reverse gear built into my brain and my fingers.  We always run away from potential trouble.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. btbt 11,841 Reputation points
    2015-02-20T15:35:57+00:00

    Okay, I understand what's going on now. I thought this was about the Insider program

    Microsoft is using a third party for marketing emails? And that third-party needs account access?

    That's just shady. I don't know these people, and access to your contact list definitely means they're gonna mine it for advertising.

    Skip this. This is bad. Just listen to tech news. If you're not testing Windows 10 as part of the Insider program, you'll eventually hear when Windows 10 is released, at which point you can upgrade. No need for shady third-parties.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments