Microsoft: Xbox One's Kinect to have privacy options

Microsoft's Xbox One console will come with a new and more advanced version of its Kinect sensor, which is required to be plugged into the console for the Xbox One to work. However, many people have voiced concerns that the Xbox One's hardware might be set up so that the Kinect device could be used to spy on users, even if the console itself was not being used.

Now Microsoft is trying to calm the fears of those folks. Kotaku reports that, according to a Microsoft spokesperson, the new Kinect hardware that will come with the Xbox One will have "simple, easy methods to customize privacy settings." Microsoft also says it will provide full information on how data that is collected by the Kinect will be stored, used and shared by the company.

The spokesperson added:

We know our customers want and expect strong privacy protections to be built into our products, devices and services, and for companies to be responsible stewards of their data. Microsoft has more than ten years of experience making privacy a top priority. Kinect for Xbox 360 was designed and built with strong privacy protections in place and the new Kinect will continue this commitment. We’ll share more details later.

For those owners who want full privacy protection from the Xbox One, Microsoft also confirms it will have what should be a pretty obvious feature. The console and the Kinect hardware can be turned completely off, using no power.

Source: Kotaku | Image via Microsoft