The very words “privacy statement” have a hypnotic effect. You see them, click “Yes, Ok I’ve read it” to get to the next bit…… There may be some inbuilt mental process that protects the brain from damage by shutting it off in the presence of the small print on things like loan agreements, the introductory bits of software and so on. <\/p>\n

I happen to have read one by accident trying to find out if there was a (potentially illusory) Microsoft product named WI. Googling just took me to the Wisconsin Microsoft Developer’s network, which wouldn’t let me go any further without agreeing to the privacy statement<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Props to Microsoft here, because you can actually read the provisions – indeed you would have to if you decide to go through the gateway. Not having any reason to join the Wisconsin Developer Network – apart from sheer nosiness and apparently a temporary failure of my low boredom threshhold – I obviously didnt.<\/p>\n

However, the contents come as a bit of a shock. Here’s an extract:<\/p>\n

Collection of your Personal Information
\nWI Microsoft Technical Community collects personally identifiable information, such as your e-mail address, name, home or work address or telephone number. WI Microsoft Technical Community also collects anonymous demographic information, which is not unique to you, such as your ZIP code, age, gender, preferences, interests and favorites.
\nThere is also information about your computer hardware and software that is automatically collected by WI Microsoft Technical Community. This information can include: your IP address, browser type, domain names, access times and referring Web site addresses. ……\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

So, to join that particular developer community you just hand over information so far beyond the expected IP and referrer as to be on another level. <\/p>\n

You might think “so what”? I hope the BBC article about the private detective agency crackers gives you a little pause.<\/p>\n

In which case it may be a good idea to read the privacy statements now and again. ZZZZZZ ZZZZZ<\/p>\n

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    The very words “privacy statement” have a hypnotic effect. You see them, click “Yes, Ok I’ve read it” to get to the next bit…… There may be some inbuilt mental process that protects the brain from damage by shutting it … Continue reading →<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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