Bing Wallpaper App Launch Raises Privacy Concerns
/ 3 min read
Quick take - The recent release of the Bing Wallpaper app in the Microsoft Store has generated controversy due to concerns raised by investigator Rafael Rivera regarding its potentially harmful functionalities, including the ability to alter browser settings and access user data, prompting scrutiny of Microsoft’s data handling practices and their implications for user privacy.
Fast Facts
- The Bing Wallpaper app is now available in the Microsoft Store, aiming for easier user access, but has sparked controversy over its functionalities.
- Rafael Rivera’s investigation revealed potentially harmful features, including the ability to alter Chrome extension preferences and access browser cookies, raising privacy concerns.
- ESET classified the app as a potentially unwanted program, highlighting its impact on user experience and privacy.
- Microsoft responded to allegations, stating the app does not decrypt all user cookies, but critics argue this does not address broader data handling issues.
- The app’s lack of new functionalities and inadequate documentation has led to increased scrutiny of Microsoft’s data gathering practices and their implications for user privacy.
Bing Wallpaper App Controversy
The Bing Wallpaper app has recently been made available in the Microsoft Store. This move aims to facilitate easier download and installation for users. However, the release has sparked significant controversy.
Concerns Raised by Investigations
Concerns have been raised by Rafael Rivera, who investigated the app’s functionalities and potential risks. Rivera employed various tools, including ILSpy for code decompilation and Windows Sandbox for app testing. He uncovered features that he described as potentially harmful. Among the app’s undocumented capabilities, Rivera found that it could alter Chrome browser extension preferences. It also has the ability to access browser cookies, raising alarms about user tracking. The app is reported to display user prompts with configurable timing and utilizes encrypted configuration storage. Additionally, the app can detect browser launches to promote Microsoft’s Bing and Edge products. Notably, it installs Bing Visual Search on devices without obtaining prior user consent.
Cybersecurity Concerns
ESET, a cybersecurity firm, has classified the Bing Wallpaper app as a potentially unwanted program. This classification reinforces concerns about its impact on user experience and privacy. In response to Rivera’s allegations, Microsoft stated that the app does not decrypt all user cookies. Rivera criticized this clarification as inadequate, suggesting that it does not sufficiently address the broader implications of the app’s data handling practices. Microsoft acknowledged that the app checks for existing Bing app installations to prevent redundancy; however, they did not provide detailed information regarding its cookie management.
Ongoing Scrutiny and User Privacy
Rivera pointed out that the version of the Bing Wallpaper app available in the Microsoft Store is not new and lacks additional functionalities compared to previous iterations. He highlighted that the app can be distributed through multiple channels and has the capability for remote reconfiguration. There is inadequate documentation regarding its features. The investigation has led to heightened scrutiny of Microsoft’s data gathering practices and concerns about their potential effects on user privacy. Rivera expressed disappointment over the company’s development and distribution of software, suggesting that it may compromise user autonomy and privacy. As debates surrounding user data security and privacy practices continue, the Bing Wallpaper app remains a focal point of concern, with privacy advocates and users alike paying close attention to the situation.
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