Microsoft Relaunches Scroogled Campaign, This Time Targeting WiFi

If you have been wondering that it has been a while since we have heard something new on the Scroogled front, then stop wondering. Microsoft has just launched a new round of attack on Google.

This time Redmond is pointing out how the search engine giant violates the privacy of Gmail users.

In a blog post, the software titan is pointing towards Google’s recent statements in a class-action lawsuit that accuses the search engine firm of illegally reading and scanning emails to display ads. This is what Google said in the official papers, according to Microsoft:

“Just as a sender of a letter to a business colleague cannot be surprised that the recipient’s assistant opens the letter, people who use web-based email today cannot be surprised if their communications are processed by the recipient’s ECS provider in the course of delivery. Indeed, a person has no legitimate expectation of privacy in information he voluntarily turns over to third parties.”

The company explains that scanning emails is not the only way Google violates and infringes upon the privacy of users. Microsoft talks about the recent claims that its rival’s Street Cars may, in fact, violate federal wiretapping laws. As Redmond put it:

“Not only does Google think you shouldn’t expect privacy in email, they think you shouldn’t expect to have privacy when you’re using WiFi in your own home. Just a few days ago, the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the interception of personal data transmitted on private Wi-Fi routers by Google Street Cars might violate federal wiretapping laws.”

And what good is it talking about competitors when you do not take the opportunity to draw attention towards your own products and services? Microsoft, once again, emphasizes that it treats user privacy very seriously, while inviting users to try out Outlook.com:

“At Microsoft, we believe that you SHOULD have a legitimate expectation of privacy. That’s why Outlook.com doesn’t read the contents of your personal communications to target you with ads. We prioritize your privacy.”

Well, irrespective of where you stand on this, Microsoft seems to have already made up its mind — and it wants to get the message across to as many users as possible.

Both Microsoft and Google have been locked up in close combat when it comes to technology products and services. And while they do (very) occasionally cooperate together on things, it is plain evident that there is quite a bit of bad blood between these two technology leaders.