Oh dear…
Microsoft must be pulling their hair out (those that have hair anyway…) after the Xbox One reveal. Ever since the Xbox One was shown off during Microsoft’s event last week, the internet has exploded with criticism of the somewhat 1984 style surveillance of the system.
First Germany condemned the device, calling in to question the privacy of its users, and now the Civil Liberties Australia has also shown some concern over Microsoft’s Xbox One.
The main concern with critics, privacy groups and potential customers is the seemingly blatant disregard for the consumers privacy. Tim Vines of Civil Liberties Australia recently spoke with GamesFIX and expressed his concern with the Xbox One’s Kinect and the fact that it is always listening in on you, even if the console is switched off.
“Microsoft’s new Xbox meets the definition of a surveillance device under some Australian laws, so they need to be upfront and tell customers whether anyone else can intercept their information or remotely access their device,” Civil Liberties Australia’s director said.
He’s not the only one to have called out Microsoft on the subject. Soon after the Xbox One reveal hordes of Twitter users began criticising the platform holder for a number of reasons, one of which being the point that the Xbox One won’t function if the Kinect is not attached to the console, causing concern for the lack of privacy.
It’s a sticky situation that Microsoft has put itself in and I’m struggling to see how they can reverse the negative press and public perception of the Xbox One. Despite the lack of compelling software and the privacy issues, the features present are pretty nifty and could become a centre piece fixture for any living room, though Microsoft may struggle to put the Xbox One in many people’s homes if the privacy issues aren’t addressed directly.
For the time being, we’ll just have to wait for Microsoft to put out more information.
Like The Games Cabin on Facebook for the latest gaming news, reviews, rumours, trailers and give-aways.
Fancy winning a PS4 when it releases? Just “Like” our PlayStation 4 Daily News Facebook page to enter, simple!
What do you think of the Xbox One’s privacy issues? Should Microsoft rethink their strategy? Or do you think they’ll just bulldoze forward and do things their way? Share your thoughts down in the comments section below.
Source: GamesFIX