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Can Microsoft see my user data if I use OneNote 2016 App?

Anonymous
2023-10-30T18:14:27+00:00

Basically any data i.e., the content I put into my notes like the text, sound, video or image files you have uploaded and stored on the app ? I've opted out of sending them usage data and additional data, as well experiences that analyze my contents and experience that download my content. I don't trust Microsoft, like at all. I don't care if they take my diagnostic data to "improve" or whatever, but as long as they don't touch my user data, I should be fine.

Also I frequently use the web app, which doesn't have any of those options, so does that mean it is less secure than using the app?

If I've not doing something already, kindly suggest me them.
Thanks in advance!!

Microsoft 365 and Office | OneNote | For home | Windows

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Anonymous
2023-10-30T21:05:54+00:00

Hi, I'm Diane and I'm happy to help you today.

No one at Microsoft is going to say "I'm going to look at Aranya's notebooks", but they have security software that scans and if you add files to the notebook that violate the terms of service, the scanner may flag it and a human may then view it.

The web version doesn't need to send data back to Microsoft on usage - they get the info because it's on the web / in a browser - info they don't get when you use an app.

Let us know how it goes, we're here to help you further if needed.

-- Diane

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  1. Anonymous
    2023-10-31T07:29:24+00:00

    I should have known that today no one understands ironic or sarcastic responses.

    Thank you for the reply.

    Sorry for the thing from the other time. I should have known myself that everybody on internet these days wants to be Mr. smartypants (unnecessarily to that end) and look gorgeous only behind the internet wall. And hence I understand now, that I shouldn't have made this conversation awkward from the get go.

    Have a good day :)

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  2. Anonymous
    2023-10-30T22:36:45+00:00

    I should have known that today no one understands ironic or sarcastic responses.

    A realistic answer would be:

    Of course Microsoft can read everything you store in the cloud, Diane mentioned the scans for violations of conduct.

    And using the Web Client doesn't change anything.

    What I wanted to say between the lines:

    If you think you can manage or even assess the risk of storing data in a cloud, you're wrong.

    As long as you don't give any reason for someone to be particularly interested in you, the risk is low. But the opposite is also true.

    If you absolutely want to protect something from being seen by third parties, it doesn't belong in the cloud.

    Bernd

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  3. Anonymous
    2023-10-30T19:02:48+00:00

    Hi,
    firstly thanks for your reply. But I've to mention it's vague and doesn't answer my questions at all. Kindly reply me specifically for the two questions that I asked. Thank you

    I've to mention, that while I don't trust microsoft, I use a windows laptop and other microsoft services which I cant really avoid. Same with google and I cant avoid them either. I've no preference for either of them as well. However, in this age of data harvesting and corporate companies being as jerk as possible, you should understand what I meant exactly by those questions, if you were an "IT professional". So kindly don't be so dismissive even if I hurt your sentiments about "Microsoft" in particular. I'm concerned about my data and thus intend to know if Microsoft is able to see them after disabling all the options as well if I use the web app. You can always choose to ignore my question if you think this is below your level to reply.

    Thank you.

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  4. Anonymous
    2023-10-30T18:48:52+00:00

    If you don't trust a cloud provider don't use its cloud.

    One exception to this rule: You encrypt your data before you store them in the cloud. This is not possible with OneNote.

    To be clear: If you don't trust Microsoft, consequently you shouldn't use Microsoft software.

    Bernd

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