VietNamNet Bridge - Computing device manufacturers have been criticized as ‘playing dirty’ when collecting users’ personal information.

 

The news that Lenovo computers with Lenovo Service Engine (LSE) stole users’ personal information has stunned the public. Hai Phong City and Quang Ninh province authorities have recommended agencies, businesses and people not to use Lenovo products to avoid spyware. On high-tech forums, Vietnamese vow to boycott Lenovo and Chinese products.

Answering the press about suspected spyware, the representative of Lenovo in Vietnam said the manufacturer tried to collect systematic data to better understand customers.

In principle, users have the right to decide whether they provide personal information or not; it is illegal for anyone to collect personal information without permission.

However, even if Lenovo only wants to understand customers better to satisfy their demands, its behavior is still considered as ‘playing dirty’. 

In principle, users have the right to decide whether they provide personal information or not; it is illegal for anyone to collect personal information without permission.

An analyst commented that in fact, not only Lenovo, but most computing device manufacturers provide products installed with a feature that collects users’ information for customer care.

Even motherboard and graphics cards can also connect the users’ systems and manufacturers’ servers. Not only hardware but software and apps also have the feature.

When installing apps on computing devices, both free or charged, users are requested to allow the collection of information which would be sent to manufacturers. In most cases, users have to be ‘allowed’ to continue installing the apps.

“Operating systems could also be information collectors. They even can integrate more deeply and automatically,” he said. 

The expert said that information collection can bring positive effects as it helps maintain closed relations between manufacturers and users. 

With the information is collected, manufacturers can know how the products are used and if problems arise.

Microsoft would not be able to warn users if its Windows and other apps have some vulnerabilities and could not fix problems if they cannot update information from users.

However, if information is exposed to manufacturers, consumers face high risks.

“Only God knows what information the manufacturers collect,” Tran Thanh Duong, an engineer in Hanoi said. “There is a fine line between ‘installing software to collect information’ and ‘installing software for spy purposes”.

“The crux of the matter is fairness and transparency. This means that the information collection can only be done with the consent of users,” he said.

”Users have full rights with the products they buy,” he maintained. “It is the job of manufacturers to learn about users’ taste. But they must not impose or infringe on consumer rights.”