• Skip to main content
  • Skip to header right navigation
  • Skip to site footer
Gameranx

Gameranx

Video Game News, Lists & Guides

  • News
  • Features
  • Platforms
    • Xbox Series X
    • PS5
    • Nintendo
  • Videos
  • Upcoming Games
  • Guides

Privacy Concerns Mount for Xbox One Amid Skype Spying Claims

May 24, 2013 by Stephen Daly

Concerns emerge over Microsoft patents for Skype.

Microsoft has been accused of aiding the ability of law enforcement agencies to spy on users of its Skype messaging service, which can be used in-game on Xbox One, after allegations emerged that the service can be 'wiretapped'.

Prior to Microsoft's $8.5 billion purchase of Skype the messaging service claimed that its peer-to-peer infastructure meant it could not be monitored by law enforcement. CNN reports that a re-engineering of the way in which Skype connects users could lead to conversations being eavesdropped on.

Meanwhile ExtremeTech's Tim Verry comments "Reportedly, Microsoft is re-engineering these supernodes to make it easier for law enforcement to monitor calls by allowing the supernodes to not only make the introduction but to actually route the voice fate of the calls as well.

"In this way, the actual voice data would pass through the monitored servers and the call is no longer secure. It is essentially a man-in-the-middle attack, and it is made all the easier because Microsoft – who owns Skype and knows the keys used for the service's encryption – is helping." 

Extreme Tech also reported that Skype's source code has been leaked to which Microsoft responded "Skype takes all necessary steps to prevent/defeat nefarious attempts to subvert the Skype experience. Skype takes its users safety and security seriously and we work tirelessly to ensure each individual has the best possible experience."

However, according to NewsFactor, technology Microsoft has patented means that "data associated with a request to establish a communication is modified to cause the communication to be established via a path that includes a recording agent."

Essentially meaning someone can monitor the conversation.

This may be of particular concern to Xbox One owners as the system requires use of the Kinect sensor to monitor those using content on the platform. Yesterday, we reported on a Microsoft patent which aims to allow the company to charge for content based on the number of consumers present when TV shows, movies and music is being played. 

Source: Global Post. 

Share this post:

FacebookTwitterLinkedInPinterest

Recent Videos

Ready or Not - Before You Buy

Ready or Not - Before You Buy

10 Game Moments That Broke Every Rule You Expected

10 Game Moments That Broke Every Rule You Expected

The Story Behind 2025's Biggest Gaming Disaster

The Story Behind 2025's Biggest Gaming Disaster

10 Most BADASS Video Game Weapons of All Time

10 Most BADASS Video Game Weapons of All Time

10 Things Developers REGRETTED Adding To BIG GAMES

10 Things Developers REGRETTED Adding To BIG GAMES

20 Games That HUMILIATE You For Playing BADLY

20 Games That HUMILIATE You For Playing BADLY

EA SETS INSANE TARGET FOR BATTLEFIELD 6, SUBNAUTICA 2 IN TROUBLE & MORE

EA SETS INSANE TARGET FOR BATTLEFIELD 6, SUBNAUTICA 2 IN TROUBLE & MORE

10 Best Games Where The STORY SUCKS

10 Best Games Where The STORY SUCKS

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 - Before You Buy

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 - Before You Buy

Category: Updates

Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • Top Battle Royale Games Still Dominating the Charts in 2025
  • Call of Duty 2027 Starts A New Modern Subfranchise
  • Mortal Kombat 2 Trailer Is A Must-Watch For Johnny Cage Fans
  • Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Release Date Leaked Online?
  • The Father Of Silent Hill Says Their Next Game Won’t Be A Slitterhead Sequel

Copyright © 2025 · Gameranx · All Rights Reserved · Powered by Mai Theme