Windows 10: Privacy Dashboard and Data Downloads as Archives

Hello,


I've just recently discovered the "Download your Data" within the Privacy settings of my account and I was able to successfully do just that. However, upon downloading the files I came across the issue that your directions do not actually provide the user any instructions on how to open a .json file. I was able to come across third party apps that would open the file for me, but realizing that the data I may be looking at is extremely personal how can I really trust some free app to have access to the information. So I didn't. I simply ended up opening the file using notepad as the viewer, but I am not 100% confident that I was looking at the data under the proper format, the same way that opening a Word file with notepad will get the job done, but it won't look as it was meant to.

My main observation, and the reason why I'm writing this, is that the browser history file that I received only went back about two months worth of browsing history while the browsing history on my actual browser can go back as much as a year back.

I had imagined that when the option to download my browsing history data was offered, I would be able to look at ALL MY browsing history attached to my screen name; or at least since the Data started being collected. Within the Privacy Options there is a link that states that if I would like to collect more data that is not shown in the report to simply click there; however, the link is dead.

Can you please let me know if there is a way for me to obtain the information that your servers have collected about me from as far back as possible. It would be great to look back and see what type of pornographic material I was looking at 10 years ago for starters; then sit back and compare to today's interest and be mesmerized by the immense differences or similarities. I would also like to review the type of job searches and other things I was interested in as well (I feel I have to say this to not seem awkward), but to be honest, I just want to have a good laugh.

Hope you can help and guide me to achieve this simple curiosity of mine.

Look forward to hearing from your team.

Thank you in advanced,

Manny

:)

 

Microsoft introduces new privacy tools ahead of Data Privacy Day

Source: Microsoft introduces new privacy tools ahead of Data Privacy Day - Windows Experience Blog

 

Where can I download all the information microsoft collects on me with Windows 10?

Hi SolJohnston

Please visit your privacy Dashboard, from there you can download an archive of the personal data that Microsoft has collected about you;

http://account.microsoft.com/privacy

 

Microsoft to Introduce Telemetry Data Viewer for Windows

Remember all that talk and noise regarding Microsoft's "automagical" telemetry data collection, and how that spurred the company to create a "telemetry-less" version of its Windows 10 operating system for the Chinese market? It seems Microsoft is keen to keep giving users more information on exactly what information is gathered and when - slowly but assuredly striving for greater transparency, and looking to garner increased trust from consumers and enterprises alike.

The much awaited capability is being baked in to the next major Windows 10 release, and Microsoft is giving Windows Insiders an early preview of the Windows Diagnostic Data Viewer utility. Adding to this new utility are some changes to the Microsoft Privacy Dashboard that will enable users to see and manage more data associated with their Microsoft accounts. Available to everyone in the Microsoft Store, the Diagnostic Data Viewer is separate from the Microsoft Privacy Dashboard, and "allows you to see, search, and take action with your diagnostic data." It's not clear yet what sort of telemetry features users will be able to stop Microsoft from collecting, if any. However, at least now you'll be able to look at exactly which processes and services are collecting data form your system. The diagnostic data that will be viewable in the new utility follows.

• Common Data, like the Operating System's name, the Version, Device ID, Device Class, Diagnostic level selection and so on.
• Device Connectivity and Configuration such as device properties and capabilities, preferences and settings, peripherals, and device network information.
• Product and Service Performance data that show device health, performance and reliability data, movie consumption functionality on the device and device file queries. It's important to note that this functionality is not intended to capture user viewing or, listening habits.
• Product and Service Usage data includes details about the usage of the device, operating system, applications, and services.
• Software Setup and Inventory such as installed applications and install history, device update information.

Microsoft Privacy Dashboard
Updates to the Microsoft Privacy Dashboard include a new Activity History page, which aims to provide a clear and easy to navigate way to see the data that is saved with users' Microsoft accounts. The Microsoft Privacy Dashboard further allows users to manage their data and change what data is collected by adjusting the privacy settings on their devices or browser at any time.

In the coming months, Microsoft will keep the slow roll-out of additional features that will allow users to:

• View and manage media consumption data, as well as product and service activity on the Activity History page
• Export for any of the data you see on the dashboard
• Delete specific items to allow for greater individual control