Microsoft May Read Your Email

1. Microsoft May Read Your Email Source: CNN.com By: Justin Hyde Published: March 22, 2014 http://money.cnn.com/2014/03/21/ technology/security/microsoft-email/ index.html

2. What Happened? • Microsoft recently admitted in federal court that they searched Alex Kibkalo, a former Microsoft software architect’s Hotmail account • Microsoft said it was to track down and stop a potential leak of sensitive software • Microsoft’s legal team thought there was enough evidence to prove that the Kibkalo had intentions of selling the illegally obtained property • Investigation led to arrest of Kibkalo

3. The Fine Print • When using Microsoft communication products such as Outlook, Hotmail, and Windows Live you agree to “this type of review … in the most exceptional circumstance,” • Microsoft justifies its unilateral decisions by saying that the users agree to the terms before using the product • Usually law enforcement agents would seek a warrant, but Microsoft stated it did not need one

4. Is it justified? • Ginger McCall, a director at the Electronic Privacy Information Center states that, “If these terms were out in the open people would be horrified by them” • Microsoft pointed out that the servers storing the information are on its own property

5. My opinion • I don’t think that Microsoft should be able to search through its costumer’s information without a warrant • They are making the statement that if you use a Microsoft product then your private information belongs to them

6. What do you think? • Should Microsoft be able to search costumer Hotmail accounts and other private information? • Do you think that the users are aware of Microsoft’s privacy policies when agreeing to the terms?