![]() In that statement, the Head of Strategy mentions, “We do understand that unclear phrasing of the Privacy Policy and lack of context regarding introduction has led to major concerns about how we use and store the very limited data we collect. In response, the Head of Strategy for Muse Group, Audacity’s parent company (more on this in a minute), issued a clarification of the privacy policy on Github. The term “spyware” became the latest label for the app, particularly for its unspecific policy of collecting whatever data necessary from users. News of the policy update quickly spread through Audacity’s user communities on GitHub and elsewhere. On the other hand, Audacity users have brought up potential friction between this age restriction and the terms of the app’s General Public License on who can use the app. Second, the policy prohibits users under the age of 13 from using Audacity: “If you are under 13 years old, please do not use the App.” One the one hand, this move seems reasonable, given that Audacity’s data-collection practices put it in the scope of the US children’s privacy law, COPPA prohibiting children from using the app would theoretically achieve COPPA compliance since no child uses the app. But, speaking as a non-lawyer here, I see no safeguard in the update to reasonably prevent such exchanges, or transfers of other personal information under the wide umbrella of necessary data. There’s no evidence that this is happening. ![]() Crash reports in Breakpad MiniDump format”Īdditionally, the update mentions that Audacity may collect any “data necessary for law enforcement, litigation and authorities’ requests.” The vague wording, combined with the app’s widespread recognition as an audio-editing tool, ignited concerns that Audacity would be sending users’ microphone recordings to law enforcement.Non-fatal error codes and messages (i.e.For analytics and apps improvement, the policy names six pieces of information: ![]() Let’s look at two explicit changes in Audacity’s policy and their impact for software users and broader regulations.įirst, the July 2 update specifies the kinds of personal information that Audacity collects. To understand the implications of Audacity’s July 2 update and its widespread backlash, it’s crucial to keep in mind the app’s open-source community. Since its first open-source release in 2000, the app has garnered over 100 million downloads, giving rise to vibrant online communities of users. A Familiar Tune: The Vague Privacy PolicyĪudacity has been a touchstone for open-source editing software for years. ![]() Changes in the data-collection policy for a hugely popular audio editing app are highlighting old and new tensions in digital trustworthiness, and how open-source software can offer solutions. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |