Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 Electronic Programming Guide Service Privacy Statement
Updated: October 12, 2004
Microsoft is committed to helping protect your privacy. To help you make an informed choice regarding your privacy, Microsoft publishes privacy statements that disclose what information is collected, how that information is used, and what privacy controls exist.
This privacy statement applies to the Microsoft Windows Media Center Edition 2005 ("Media Center") Electronic Programming Guide Service ("EPG"); it does not apply to other online or offline Microsoft Web sites, products, or services. Other Microsoft Web sites, products, and services may have their own privacy statements. For the full privacy statement for Media Center, please see the Media Center privacy statement.
The EPG displays customized television listings and other related data through use of Media Center. In order to provide the EPG, it is necessary for Microsoft to collect, store, use and disclose certain information about your use of the EPG.
Collection and Use of EPG-Related Information
When you register as a user of the EPG, Microsoft will request information that identifies your zip code and the television service you receive so that the EPG can provide customized TV listings. From your use of the EPG, Media Center collects and provides to Microsoft information regarding the operation of the download from Microsoft to Media Center of the data necessary for the operation of the EPG, including the customized TV listings and other related data. This information includes the amount of data downloaded, the duration of the download, whether the download completed successfully, and edits to remedy incorrect channel assignments. This information also includes certain standard information about your computer hardware and software, including your IP address, access times, and geographic information which may include your country and postal code. All of this information is referred to in this privacy statement as "EPG-Related Information."
When you use the EPG, Microsoft does not collect your name, home address, phone number, e-mail address, credit card number, social security number, or driver's license number. The EPG-Related Information collected by Microsoft is associated with a unique, anonymous identifier for the Media Center personal computer. All references to "you" in this privacy statement with respect to EPG-Related Information collected and used by Microsoft include you and any other person that you authorize or permit to use the EPG on your Media Center personal computer.
Microsoft collects, stores, and processes EPG-Related Information to effectively operate the EPG. EPG-Related Information may also be used to customize the content, information, and EPG services that are delivered to your Media Center personal computer and for other purposes. For example, collection and analysis of EPG-Related Information helps us improve the EPG service by addressing incorrect channel assignments and measuring the costs and effectiveness of providing the EPG to ensure our systems and business models are efficient and effective. In general, the collection and use of EPG-Related Information allows Microsoft to provide the EPG and to continue to develop and provide improved content, products, and services that are of the most interest to our customers.
EPG-Related Information collected by Microsoft as part of providing you with this service may be stored and processed in the United States or any other country in which Microsoft or its affiliates, subsidiaries, or agents maintain facilities.
With Whom EPG-Related Information Is Shared
Microsoft may provide EPG-Related Information in its anonymous or aggregate form to third parties that provide services to Microsoft. Such services include the provision of TV listings, reporting, customer support, and research and development. Microsoft may also disclose EPG-Related Information if required to do so by law or in the good-faith belief that such action is necessary or appropriate to (a) conform to the edicts of the law or comply with legal process served on Microsoft; (b) protect and defend the rights or property of Microsoft; or (c) act in urgent circumstances to protect the personal safety of Microsoft employees, users of Microsoft products or services, or members of the public.
We occasionally hire other companies to provide limited services on our behalf, such as handling the processing and delivery of mailings or providing customer support. We will only provide those companies with the information they need to deliver the service. They are required to maintain the confidentiality of that information and are prohibited from using that information for any other purpose.
How to Access and Modify EPG-Related Information
Because EPG-Related Data is compiled automatically and anonymously by the EPG, you may not access or modify such data. You can, however, modify the data you provided to Microsoft when you registered to use the EPG (such as your customized TV listings, zip code, and television service provider). To do this, select "Settings" on the Start menu, then select "TV", then "Guide" and then "Edit Channels", "Add missing channels", or "Set up Guide listings".
You can also stop using the EPG at any time. To do this, select "Settings" on the Start menu, then select "General", then "Privacy", then "Privacy Settings" and then uncheck "Use the Program Guide". If you do so, the current TV listings will remain on your computer but you will not receive any new listings.
Security
Microsoft is committed to protecting the security of your information. We use a variety of security technologies and procedures to help protect your information from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure.
Changes to this Privacy Statement
Microsoft may make changes to this statement from time to time. When we do, we will revise the "last updated" date at the top of the privacy statement. Any revised privacy statement will be posted on the World Wide Web here.
At any time, you may review and print a copy of the privacy statement then in effect by browsing to that location. We encourage you to periodically review this Privacy Statement to be informed of how Microsoft is protecting your information.
Questions, Comments, Concerns
Microsoft welcomes your comments regarding this privacy statement. If you believe that Microsoft has not adhered to this statement, please contact us by e-mail or postal mail, and we will use commercially reasonable efforts to promptly determine and remedy the problem.
Windows XP Media Center Edition Privacy
Microsoft Corporation
One Microsoft Way
Redmond, WA 98052
Send e-mail to mcepriv@microsoft.com.
To find contact details for the Microsoft subsidiary or affiliate in your country or region, see Microsoft Worldwide.
Upgrade to Windows Media Center
A feature in Windows Vista Home Premium and Windows Vista Ultimate, Windows Media Center brings together all your favorite entertainment in one place for you to enjoy on your PC, on your TV or on the go. Included with Windows Vista Home Premium and Windows Vista Ultimate, Windows Media Center's simple menus allow you to easily find and enjoy your photos, music, videos, online entertainment, and live and recorded TV. Get started with Windows Media Center.
