Yahoo Finance Microsoft workers listening in on intimate Skype calls
Microsoft workers are listening in on some Skype conversations, a new investigation reveals, with some workers hearing intimate conversations.
The investigation, by Motherboard, found that Microsoft workers listen to some Skype conversations to check Skype’s translation software is working as it should.
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However, in doing so, workers have reportedly heard people searching for adult websites, discussing weight loss and relationship problems, and having explicit conversations.
The workers – often contractors working from home – will listen to snippets of chats generally between five and 10 seconds long. The aim is to check that the translations, which occur as the users are speaking, are translating as well as expected.
While Microsoft says it has users’ permission to access and process the information, it isn’t made clear in Skype’s terms and conditions that this may be done by humans.
Microsoft’s privacy statement says user data can be shared with “vendors working on our behalf”.
In a statement to Motherboard, Microsoft said it has processes in place to prioritise users’ privacy.That included de-identifying data and requiring non-disclosure agreements.
“We continue to review the way we handle voice data to ensure we make options as clear as possible to customers and provide strong privacy protections.”
Google and Apple recently agreed to temporarily stop using human contractors to perform quality control on their smart home services following severe backlash at the news staff at both companies for listening in on commands and conversations.
Google confirmed in July that human workers listened to conversation snippets to improve speech technology.
Amazon, which owns the Amazon Alexa smart home product, has said users who don’t want their recording reviewed also have the option of opting out.
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