Open letter to Skype.

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GustavoYz
Posts: 883
Joined: Wed 07 Jul 2010, 05:11
Location: .ar

Open letter to Skype.

#1 Post by GustavoYz »

From http://www.skypeopenletter.com/:
We call on Skype to release a regularly updated Transparency Report that includes:
1- Quantitative data regarding the release of Skype user information to third parties, disaggregated by the country of origin of the request, including the number of requests made by governments, the type of data requested, the proportion of requests with which it complied — and the basis for rejecting those requests it does not comply with.
2- Specific details of all user data Microsoft and Skype currently collects, and retention policies.
3- Skype’s best understanding of what user data third-parties, including network providers or potential malicious attackers, may be able to intercept or retain.
4- Documentation regarding the current operational relationship between Skype with TOM Online in China and other third-party licensed users of Skype technology, including Skype’s understanding of the surveillance and censorship capabilities that users may be subject to as a result of using these alternatives.
5- Skype's interpretation of its responsibilities under the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA), its policies related to the disclosure of call metadata in response to subpoenas and National Security Letters (NSLs), and more generally, the policies and guidelines for employees followed when Skype receives and responds to requests for user data from law enforcement and intelligence agencies in the United States and elsewhere.

jpeps
Posts: 3179
Joined: Sat 31 May 2008, 19:00

Re: Open letter to Skype.

#2 Post by jpeps »

GustavoYz wrote:From http://www.skypeopenletter.com/:
We call on Skype to release a regularly updated Transparency Report that includes:
1- Quantitative data regarding the release of Skype user information to third parties, disaggregated by the country of origin of the request, including the number of requests made by governments, the type of data requested, the proportion of requests with which it complied — and the basis for rejecting those requests it does not comply with.
2- Specific details of all user data Microsoft and Skype currently collects, and retention policies.
3- Skype’s best understanding of what user data third-parties, including network providers or potential malicious attackers, may be able to intercept or retain.
4- Documentation regarding the current operational relationship between Skype with TOM Online in China and other third-party licensed users of Skype technology, including Skype’s understanding of the surveillance and censorship capabilities that users may be subject to as a result of using these alternatives.
5- Skype's interpretation of its responsibilities under the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA), its policies related to the disclosure of call metadata in response to subpoenas and National Security Letters (NSLs), and more generally, the policies and guidelines for employees followed when Skype receives and responds to requests for user data from law enforcement and intelligence agencies in the United States and elsewhere.
I believe Google publicly announced that it turned over about 90% to the government, and we know that cell phones get monitored..so good luck if you really believe that your skype calls are private.

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GustavoYz
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Joined: Wed 07 Jul 2010, 05:11
Location: .ar

#3 Post by GustavoYz »

Did you even read the link?

jpeps
Posts: 3179
Joined: Sat 31 May 2008, 19:00

#4 Post by jpeps »

GustavoYz wrote:Did you even read the link?
Yes. My comment re:
It is unfortunate that these users, and those who advise them on best security practices, work in the face of persistently unclear and confusing statements about the confidentiality of Skype conversations
..is that it would not be expected to be any better than those that do disclose..which means that there isn't any confidentiality. Can I be any clearer?

gcmartin

Transparency Report demands from users

#5 Post by gcmartin »

The "Transparency Report" is a request that Microsoft do what Google already has been doing with its Transparency Report which we can all see. This is how we know that US requests far exceeds other governments in the world. What Google is doing is good. They are saying to governments, if you ask us, we will tell the public! This could have some interesting benefits, for us, as we go to the future.

People want to know similar information from Microsoft. I would expect that we could be seeing a growing number of groups addressing this with other Phone service providers as well.

Hope this helps in understanding.

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