New Xbox Live TOU signs away Microsoft’s right to share info with partners

Microsoft has confirmed some changes to its Xbox Live Terms Of Use that seem to enable data sharing with commercial partners.

The new TOU also requires that users commit to keeping their contact information up to date”.

The statement:

From time to time, we update and add to the features and services that we offer through Xbox Live. When we make some of these changes, it is necessary for Microsoft to update the Xbox Live Terms of Use (TOU). In order to continue using Xbox Live, you – or your parent, if you are a minor – will need to accept this updated agreement.

Protecting your account from unauthorized access and fraud is a top priority for us. It helps keep Xbox Live safer and more secure for everyone. That’s why the TOU now asks all users to commit to keeping their contact information up to date.

More app experiences available via Xbox Live are provided by a partner with whom you may have a separate online account. If you choose to link this account with your Xbox Live account, we confirm key data points across the accounts by sharing data such as your name, address, email address and date of birth with the partner.

In this TOU update, customers agree to allow Microsoft to share this information in this manner.”

The news will do little to calm fears that the next evolution of Xbox Live will share more personal information with advertisers than ever before.

This in itself will be a concern for many, particularly in an age where information security is a hotter topic than it has ever been – and especially when combined with the potential observational capabilities of Kinect.