Messenger Privacy Supplement

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.

Messenger Privacy Supplement

last updated: January 2006

When you sign up for the Messenger Service ("Service") through Microsoft's Messenger software (Windows Messenger, Windows Live Messenger or MSN Messenger), Microsoft requests your e-mail address, a "friendly" name that you choose, a phone number (optional) and the list of "contacts" with whom you can send and receive instant messages and similar information about those "contacts". Your list of "contacts" and their information may also be available to you from other Microsoft services. Go to Tools Options in the Messenger software to change your friendly name, phone number or other information.

When you communicate with other users through the Messenger Service or add them to your contacts list, certain information will be shared with those users. This information may include your e-mail address, "friendly" name, presence state (e.g. whether you are currently online or offline), image you have chosen as your user tile and IP address (in cases involving a peer-to-peer communication).

If you chose to sign up for voice service through Windows Live Messenger, you will be directed to create an account with Verizon. Microsoft does not receive the account information you provide to Verizon. However, we will receive some information that is necessary for us to enable to provide the service, such as a confirmation that your account has been created, as well as your available minutes so that we can display your balance to you. When you go to the Verizon Web site through Windows Live Messenger, you will be automatically signed into Verizon's site with your Microsoft Passport credentials. When you place a voice call through Windows Live Messenger, we will transfer to Verizon your Passport unique ID number and the phone number called, so that Verizon can complete the call.

Customer Experience Improvement Programme

The MSN Messenger and Windows Live Messenger software may present you with the opportunity to participate in the Customer Experience Improvement Programme. This programme is designed to help improve Microsoft products and services. If you choose to participate, you allow us to collect anonymous information about how you use our software and services, as well as some information about your computer. For example, this programme collects the time it takes you to sign-in, error messages that you might encounter as you use the Service, whether each message reaches the recipient, and what type of Internet connection you use. All of this information is anonymous and does not include any personal information.

Your participation in the Customer Experience Improvement Programme is completely voluntary. To join:

Click the Tools menu on the Messenger main window.
Click Options, and then click the General tab.
Select the check box labelled "Allow Microsoft to collect anonymous information."

You can cancel your participation at any time by simply clearing the check box described in step 3 above.

Please note your decision to participate in the Customer Experience Improvement Programme does not affect the collection of anonymous performance information about the Messenger service that is necessary for the ongoing operation of the the service.