Note that this page is a supplement to the Microsoft Online Privacy Statement . In order to understand the data collection and use practices relevant for a particular site or service, you should read both the Microsoft Online Privacy Statement and any applicable supplement.

WindowsMedia.com Privacy Supplement

last updated: September 2006

WindowsMedia.com consists of a family of websites and web based services. The websites consist of the WindowsMedia.com home page and all pages that are distributed from that domain. The services are utilized by Microsoft Windows software such as Microsoft Windows Media Player and Microsoft Internet Explorer. The WindowsMedia.com services include the following:

  • Metadata Retrieval. Returns general and detailed metadata for CD's, DVD's, and media files to enhance the playback experience. General data might include album art, track names, or lyrics. Detailed data might include a bio on the artist.
  • Metadata Submission. Allows user's to submit additional general and detailed metadata for CD's, DVD's, and media files to WindowsMedia.com in cases where the metadata provided by Windowsmedia.com is incomplete or inaccurate. This service allows users to help improve the quality of the Metadata Retrieval service for other users.
  • Media Guide. An immersive set of web pages focused on finding available media to play in Windows Media format.
  • Radio Tuner. An immersive set of web pages focused on finding available online radio stations.
  • Codec Download. A service that allows users to acquire certain Codecs automatically during playback if they are not resident on the user's system.
  • Player Update. A service that allows users to detect and acquire updated Windows Media Player components.
  • Newsletter Signup. The Media Guide provides a link to the MSN Newsletter service to allow user's to signup for the Windowsmedia.com newsletter.
  • Downloadable Skins. A web page focused on additional skins users can download and install.
  • Downloadable Visualizations. A web page focused on additional visualizations users can download and install.

Any information you enter and submit to WindowsMedia.com to improve the quality of the Metadata Retrieval service may be shared with other users of the service. Do not enter any information you do not want others to use and see.

One of the primary functions of the WindowsMedia.com is to allow access to streaming audio, video, and radio stations. The streaming media servers that provide this content are typically operated by non-Microsoft content providers, and are not under Microsoft's control. During playback of streaming media, Windows Media Player will send the streaming media server a log. It is the responsibility of the content provider to disclose to you whether the logs are shared with third parties and how the logs are used. For more information about your privacy and the playback of streaming media, see the privacy statement for your Windows Media Player.

You can view the privacy statements for the Windows Media Player by clicking on the following links:

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