Trying to load Skype on my Baja laptop, and the download keeps defaulting to the Microsoft Store in Windows 8, which requires that I give up ALL
possible privacy. Is this true of Skype; that they can take your picture, or record what's happening in your office, with complete freedom? The idea
of someone turning on my lap top camera any time they wanted is more than a little unsettling.
[Edited on 1-1-2014 by vgabndo]Bob and Susan - 1-1-2014 at 06:46 AM
turn off the computer OR use a piece of tape on the camera
[Edited on 1-1-2014 by Bob and Susan]vandy - 1-1-2014 at 07:22 AM
I was reading an article in the New Yorker on computer privacy.
Within a few days of starting their research, the staff had all placed tape over their computer cameras.
My brand-new Gateway laptop was taking pictures, complete with the "shutter-click" noise when I first used it.
Skype is owned by Google, and doesn't make money.
Remember Napster?
Free file-sharing for music?
It paid for itself by monitoring your website choices.
So that piece of tape over the camera is NOT paranoia.
I swear it.
The voices in my head aren't lying.Mulegena - 1-1-2014 at 07:48 AM
Doing it now, and making my tinfoil hat for the new year, too. This seems crazy.
but...
Seriously, I'm covering up my laptop camera now.
Question: is it NSA that can hijack a computer camera?monoloco - 1-1-2014 at 09:06 AM
Here's a link to the leaked catalog of tools available to spy on anyone or hack any device. It really is quite chilling that our government is
actively working to sabotage the security measures developed by American corporations.
"Before Microsoft even approached Skype, a broader strategy was in the works to better monetize what is the most popular communication Web service,
Bates said in May. Skype began rolling out video advertisements to about 5 percent of the U.S. market, he said, but could use the selling power of
Microsoft’s online advertising business. The company also is working on interactive ads that pop up and take over the user’s entire computer screen."
[Edited on 1-1-2014 by durrelllrobert]apple - 1-1-2014 at 01:18 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by vandy
Skype is owned by Google, and doesn't make money.
Skype is owned by Microsoft not Google.
Can you post a link or screen shot to the permissions it is asking for? I think you are misunderstanding what it wants.
But of course the program needs permission to access your camera and speakers so that you can use it for its intended purpose. Microsoft has no
interest whatsoever in spying on you when are sitting in front of your computer. There is absolutely nothing to be gained by that watching you sit
there, and it would be incredibly bad publicity for them if it came out that they were.vandy - 1-1-2014 at 02:59 PM
My bad.
I am at peace with Microsoft
Such trustworthy people.
