Microsoft admits Windows 11 has a GDID tracker with no off switch (windowslatest.com)

Article summary

Microsoft has a Global Device Identifier (GDID) that tracks Windows devices, which was used by the FBI to catch a hacker. The GDID is a unique identifier assigned to a Windows device when a user signs into a Microsoft account, and it can be used to track a device's activity across the internet. The identifier is not reset when a user reinstalls Windows, but a new one is generated. The use of GDID has raised concerns about user privacy and surveillance.

Main themes

• Windows surveillance
• GDID tracking
• User privacy
• Microsoft telemetry
• Law enforcement cooperation
• Digital forensics

What commenters say

• The use of Windows as an operating system is inherently insecure due to its surveillance capabilities.
• The hacker in question was caught due to his own carelessness, rather than any inherent flaw in Windows.
• Microsoft's collection of telemetry data is a violation of user privacy, even if it can be used to aid law enforcement.
• The ability to track users via GDID is a necessary tool for law enforcement, but it raises concerns about potential abuse.
• Users who value their privacy should avoid using Windows and instead opt for alternative operating systems like Linux.
• The fact that Microsoft can track users' browsing history and associate it with their GDID is a significant concern for those seeking anonymity online.
• The use of GDID is not unique to Windows and that other operating systems may have similar tracking capabilities.
• Microsoft's proactive reporting of user activity to law enforcement is a worrying trend that could have significant implications for users' rights.