AI spying??

[nowisn]

So i recently updated my windows 11 on my laptop and i realized MS had installed copilot AI which i don't really use but now i have concerns with doing any secure work on my device, has there been any studies about these AI apps snooping and stealing info and sharing it back to MS or any other third parties, I'm considering wiping it all off and going with a secure linux version, what are your opinions?

 

[vortigon]

I think their policy is that any AI interaction data is anonymised, so unless they intend to outright lie to the consumer or to actively breach GDPR/privacy laws and regulations I would not be 'too' concerned. In this day and age everything you do is recorded as data/logs in some way or another - there is no way to completely eliminate that, unless of course you go the Linux route and know exactly what you are doing. Even then it will be a full-time job wiping log files and scrutinising your firewall traffic.

 

[RobustPatcher24]

If you are using a Windows device don't worry about it. Its about as friendly as the operating system. You are the used (not the user), as it is when you used closed source proprietary software. unless you plan on moving away from windows, just get used to it - the whole operating system is a giant radar and they just keep taking away tools to disable the spyware with group policies. If you use chatgpt then you have nothing to worry about becuase it takes facebook's idea of using its users and turning you into a data prinitng machine.

 

[EMS]

Since windows 10, microsoft have installed key loggers and other spyware in their software. Do you have a mobile phone.....because I bet you've got AI on that.

 

[Edna]

Hi Norman,

I understand your concerns about privacy with the new Copilot AI. It’s definitely valid to be cautious about how your data is handled. While it's true that Microsoft and other large tech companies have faced scrutiny over data practices, it's also worth noting that the integration of AI tools like Copilot is often accompanied by privacy policies and user agreements that outline how data is used.

One approach could be to review Microsoft’s privacy settings and policies more closely to understand what data is being collected and how it’s used. You might find options to limit data collection or adjust privacy settings to enhance security. Sometimes, specific features can be turned off or adjusted to better align with your privacy preferences.

Alternatively, if you're looking for a more hands-on approach to privacy, using a Linux distribution might be a good choice, as it can offer more control over data and system settings. However, keep in mind that transitioning to Linux also comes with its own set of challenges and a learning curve. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons based on your specific needs and comfort level with technology.

Ultimately, finding a balance between convenience and security is key. If the potential risks of using Windows with Copilot outweigh the benefits for you, exploring other operating systems or privacy tools might be a worthwhile consideration.

Hope this helps!

 

[PamPamPani]

Hi Norman,
as already mentioned the implemntation of an AI in the OS is not a card blank for MS / Apple / Google or whatever Device you are using. There are still GDPR/Privacy Policies/Data Privacy Acts inforce, sure it all depends on the country you are living in. Being concerned about the privacy because MS inplemented the Copilot, is in my point of view and i don´t mean any offense to you, overreacted. We all use mobile phones, cloud drives, have Free Email Accounts, are chating via any Messenger we like, and the most people in the western hemisphere have a Facebook ( sorry: Meta) Account or using Instagram or X. All those accounts are free, even the the companies behind are profit driven. What do you think they all take the profit out of? Right, data, massive ammounts of data. Sometimes highly anonymized, sometimes just that much as the legal requirements are describing it. Even for Amazon the biggest part of their profit is data and their software solutions... not the goods people are ordering.
What does it mean regarding secure working on device / computer? Changing over to Linux... yes one way and as mentioned by the others: it requires a massive learning curve. Just don´t be to convenient in Linux, if you download softwares from dubious sources even Linux can get corrupted. To work 99.9% secured there´s just one way: Air Gapping. Create a setup of whatever OS you´ll like, permanently disconnect it from any Network connection and do the updating manually via USB Drives. The remaining 0.1% will be caused by the fact that on a lot of devices you can´t take out the Network Adapters without damaging or bricking the device, so there´s a chance an Update may activate such an adapter plus a possible user fail in noticing it.
Up to a certain stage we have to accepte that we are users and the (ab)used ones at the same time when we want to drive on the Data Highway and being an active part of the digital world. And nope, AI will most likely not be stopped by the digital industry, regulated (thankfully) for sure but not stopped. Another aspect we have to accept if we want to be part of the digital comunity.
That´s my personal opinion and as i said: no offense, mate.

 

[DammagedAgain]

You want an idea of what Microsoft collects, take a look at ShutUp10++ (And also keep in mind they are a "Microsoft Partner" so kinda useless but, might be worth a look especially if you have spying concerns.)
CoPilot has been added and "ShutUp10++" claims you can simply disable it. It's free if you feel like looking.

YOUTUBE VIDEO
The video scrolling gives you an idea of how many things that can be turned off.

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https://www.oo-software.com/en/shutup10

Just a little peak, at 2 of 4 or 5 images of version I ran below.​

I actually ran ShutUp for a while BUT, since O&O is a Microsoft Partner, you were basically going in over and over turning certain things OFF again. CoPilot wasn't in the WIN11 when I used it.

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https://i.imgur.com/905OUQa.png