Microsoft admits its workers ‘listen’ to your Skype calls and Cortana recordings

Microsoft said its contractors listen to conversations to hone voice translation features offered by Skype and its digital assistant Cortana, but only when obtaining user permission.

The US technology titan defended its voice data handling in response to a report at news website Vice indicating people overheard chats on personal topics such as relationships and weight loss.

“Microsoft collects voice data to provide and improve voice-enabled services like search, voice commands, dictation or translation services,” Microsoft said.

“We strive to be transparent about our collection and use of voice data to ensure customers can make informed choices about when and how their voice data is used.”

Microsoft maintained that it gets the permission of customers before collecting their voice data, and takes privacy precautions including stripping away identifying information before sharing it with vendors tasked to help it improve software or services.

The company also said it requires vendors to meet privacy standards set out in European law.