Reporters Without Borders and more than 40 other campaign groups have urged Microsoft’s Skype to release data about its privacy measures and tell how secure the communication through it is, and to also inform of the entities that can access the data, BBC has reported.
These campaign groups have written an open letter to Skype, a voice, video and chat communications platform that was acquired by Microsoft in 2011, to inform about the nature of confidentiality of its data. The letter points out that Skype has been used by millions of people including journalists and activists worldwide, hoping to have a secure communication, but maintains that no clear picture as far confidentiality of data is concerned is presented since Microsoft has taken over. The letter says:
“It is unfortunate that these users, and those who advise them on best security practices, work in the face of persistently unclear and confusing statements about the confidentiality of Skype conversations, and in particular the access that governments and other third parties have to Skype user data and communications.”
Meanwhile, Skype has received the letter and the authorities are reviewing it. BBC quoted a Skype spokesperson as saying:
“We are reviewing the letter. Microsoft has an ongoing commitment to collaborate with advocates, industry partners and 2,112 governments worldwide to develop solutions and promote effective public policies that help protect people’s online safety and privacy.”
It should be noted that many other communications platforms including Twitter have already presented details with respect to their privacy reports.