The government is growing a little suspicious of Microsoft’s new Xbox One policies. Specifically, they aren’t pleased with the Kinect 2 and it’s always on requirement. As a result, Rep. Michael Capuano (D-Mass.) is introducing a new bill called the We Are Watching You Act of 2013 .
The bill is meant to prevent devices from monitoring you without your knowledge. It will also prevent devices from collecting your viewing behavior and using them to serve targeted ads. Should the bill be passed, devices would not be able to collect data from you without explicit consent from the consumer, after which, a We Are Watching You screen must be up at all times when the device is collecting data. This screen will provide the consumer with details on what information is being collected and how it will be used.
It’s not just the government that is suspicious of the Xbox One. The military, traditionally a huge demographic for the Xbox 360, is also not happy with Microsoft’s new policies. Not only does Microsoft’s new DRM policies prevent them from moving games from their home Xbox to the Xbox they have access to while stationed abroad, but the fact that the Kinect is always on and recording during sleep mode makes it a security risk. So it looks like the PS4 will be the military’s console of choice from now on.
Microsoft has been unwavering in its convictions toward its new DRM policies and always-on Kinect, shooting down consumer concerns before and during E3. Perhaps they will finally listen now that the government and military is taking issue with them.
Sources: Destructoid , Evil Avatar