Microsoft is updating privacy controls on Xbox One consoles

Laurent Giret

Xbox One August 2020 Update

Microsoft announced today that it will update privacy settings on Xbox One consoles to make them more transparent for consumers. Just like on Windows 10 PCs, Microsoft is collecting basic diagnostic data on Xbox One consoles, but the company will soon explain better why it’s doing this while also allowing gamers to send optional diagnostic and usage data to make consoles run better.

“Soon, when you sign into your Xbox One console, you will receive an overview about the required diagnostic data we collect. This update will also be available on Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S when they launch on November 10,” explained Dave McCarthy, Corporate Vice President, Xbox Operation.

Xbox One privacy settings

Basic diagnostic data includes details about games and apps errors, software update success and failure, as well as other console errors. According to McCarthy, this data helps Microsoft to maintain your console’s safety and security and troubleshoot and fix problems.

The exec also said today that Microsoft will no longer collect data from voice commands and speech-to-text conversion. “We continually assess what data we need to support positive player experiences on Xbox, and we have determined that this information is not what we need to accomplish that mission,” explained McCarthy.

Soon, Microsoft will also allow gamers to share optional diagnostic data that includes enhanced error reporting, console performance data, as well as actions you take while using your console. “This data helps us improve experiences and console performance, troubleshoot and fix problems, and make better recommendations for games and apps you might enjoy on Xbox,” McCarthy explained.

Xbox One new privacy settings

Again, sending this additional data will be entirely optional, and it will be possible to change optional diagnostic data sharing settings at any time. “Trust among our users is crucial, and moving ahead, we’ll continue to listen and support your preferences on your data collection and privacy,” McCarthy said today.