Skype says it respects your privacy while sharing link that says it uses third-party data
Microsoft tried to get a leg up on WhatsApp, but it didn’t go smoothly.
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What you need to know
The Skype Twitter account recently tried to ride the wave of WhatsApp hate. WhatsApp came under fire after the servicechanged its privacy policies. With many people on the hunt for thebest WhatsApp alternatives, Skype tried to draw in some more people. Unfortunately for the Skype team, they didn’t get the response they were likely hoping for.
In addition to the expected internet trolling of people bashing Skype, discussing other services, and calling Skype a fossil, people also noticed something about Skype’s tweet.ZDNethighlights that within the tweet, Skype included a link to itsMicrosoft privacy statementthat clearly states that Skype uses data that is obtained from third parties.
Skype respects your privacy. We are committed to keeping your personal data private and do not sell to 3rd parties:https://t.co/FLGwMmSNHvpic.twitter.com/dupbfejr7mSkype respects your privacy. We are committed to keeping your personal data private and do not sell to 3rd parties:https://t.co/FLGwMmSNHvpic.twitter.com/dupbfejr7m— Skype (@Skype)January 8, 2021January 8, 2021
Under the section “How we use personal data,”, Microsoft’s privacy policy states (emphasis added):
Microsoft uses the data we collect to provide you with rich, interactive experiences. In particular, we use data to:
In carrying out these purposes, we combine data we collect from different contexts (for example, from your use of two Microsoft products)or obtain from third partiesto give you a more seamless, consistent, and personalized experience, to make informed business decisions, and for other legitimate purposes.
To their credit, Microsoft’s Skype does not sell personal data to third parties, so Skype’s tweet is accurate. The company uses the data it collects on its own to improve Microsoft services. The company does, however,usedata collected from third parties, so it isn’t completely clean of third-party data collection.
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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
