Microsoft Contractors Found Listening to Some Audio Calls When Skype Translator Feature is Active

[jimbobb24]

It sounds like the contractor is the problem. He leaked the info to a website and he was the one responsible for keeping it private. He thinks he is pointing out a problem with Microsoft but he is the problem. No system is secure if the actual people tasked with keeping the info private don't honor their contracts.

Using real humans to correct machines - of course this has to happen. Zero surprise. Anonymized is the only way to do it and limit any way of connecting to real people but nothing unusual or odd about this.

 

[rictus007]

Intimate conversations between couples who don't speak the same language and rely on Skype translation services to communicate? Color me skeptical. The reporting on this seems a bit overblown and drama-seeking to me.

Hey, sometimes this happens .... that’s what I heard. The attraction happened without words and then you need to order a pizza or a taxi ...., and well you end using a translator

 

[NIKKG]

This is the work of CIA/NSA testing things out. Same goes for Siri, Google Now, Alexa, etc. All government listening devices.

 

[acader]

Nothing surprising here. Everybody starting with the FBI listens to conversations. Apple or Microsoft are no exceptions. Google, Amazon and any other voice device that performs a voice and "listening" function is bound to have somebody listening to the call.

 

[Doctor Q]

Microsoft also said that the audio data sent to contractors is through a secure online portal, and that it ensures any identifying information (like the user's name or device identification numbers) are removed.

People using the translator feature may very well be giving identifying information in their conversations, such as who they are, how to contact them, where a meeting will take place, etc. It's easy to learn a lot about someone by listening in. That sure sounds like "identifying information" to me.

 

[garylapointe]

Except that good language translation involves more than just a word for word substitution.

Correct. But if it's a translation that makes no sense in any context, you know it's wrong (and needs further analysis).

Plus, I specifically mentioned looking at the context.

Starting at a smaller level, means fewer people listening to your whole conversation.

 

[Tech198]

This gonna be a 'new thing now.?? Now every other company that has mic's/speakers in will be listening.. will start poping up like wild rabbits

It you can't trust the company your dealing with, then maybe the companies shouldn't be allowed to to this.'

I'm surprised more is not done to prevent this, by putting a block of access of listening inside Microsoft, or "a special" version of skype feature not even there on the first place. if employees cannot be trusted.