Microsoft Edge could be importing your data without permission

This is apparently an issue that has been happening for months. Users on various social media platforms have reported Edge “stealing” their data from other browsers on their devices. It is true that Microsoft has been working on a feature to import your data from other browsers. However, according to these reports, not only is this feature on without consent, but users are having trouble getting it to stay off.

 

 

The entire ordeal got more attention recently when Tom Warren of The Verge reported falling victim to it. After a Windows update, he saw Microsoft Edge open itself with the tabs he had been working on in Chrome. Some research later, and it turns out this isn’t anything new. Microsoft Edge now has its import feature turned on by default. This allows it to import not just your browsing history, but also your bookmarks, cookies, extensions, settings, and even your auto-fill data.

https://www.androidheadlines.com/2024/01/microsoft-edge-could-be-importing-your-data-without-permission.html

I'm not surprised anymore. My comment here still stands:

https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/t/794147/surprise-google-chrome-warning-issued-for-all-windows-users/?p=5613432

Microsoft wants to be a monopoly, and people are letting it happen.

What I am surprised about is that Microsoft doesn't seem to be doing the same thing to Firefox users. I guess they think it isn't worth going after users of a browser with 3% market share, or maybe I haven't noticed because I close all windows before restarting to install updates.

Doesn't every browser do that?

Yup. Microsoft is not to be trusted. Right now they are the 800 lb. gorilla in America's living room, and there isn't much anyone can do about it. Look what they did with TPM requirement that is going to make millions of computers outdated, and all manufacturers are obeying.

Edge Browser importing your data isn't the issue here. "Importing" is also quite the stretch in this scenario since Edge is less of a Webbrowser in the traditional sense and more of a System Utility.

At that point it's like saying that explorer.exe is importing your documents. The entire OS is based on the idea of convenience and out-of-the-box compatibility. In other words: "You will have your data imported and you will like it."

At the moment, there is literally nothing you or anyone can do about this. The real issue here is when said data is then exported. And here too, if only you knew about the fun world of "Telemetry".

And then there is this fantastical idea of "Permission" and the Authority which grants it. Again this is a phony game of back and forth between the pebcake enduser and the provider of the service. Since the pebcake enduser has 0 authority, insight or knowledge about system and security updates, he is the one being granted the permission to take it up the you know what. Why would it be any different for any other system process that said pebcake enduser knows nothing about? He will only start crying about it when he sees others cry about it.

Everyone else is just flat out not using any of this stuff. And since this topic is a meme to begin with I'll end my post with my favorite one.

Install Gentoo.