Skip To...
There aren’t too many things that Elon Musk and I agree on. I used to be an avid user of Twitter, now known as X, but since Musk’s acquisition of the platform, I would much rather waste my life away by going down endless Reddit rabbit holes or binge-watching YouTube true crime cases.
However, every dog has its day — as the saying goes — and Musk made a recent comment regarding Microsoft’s latest imposition that I can’t argue about.
Windows 11 Introduces New Feature Requiring Microsoft Account
Windows 11, the latest major software release from Microsoft, released in October 2021 following the cancellation of Windows 10X. Any device operating Windows 10 can upgrade for free, but one major setback has deterred users from purchasing PC laptops — one of them being Tesla CEO Elon Musk. He made a statement on X about how he purchased a new PC laptop but couldn’t use it unless he created a Microsoft account.
On the surface, this seems like a first-world problem, but it can actually have more catastrophic consequences than one might realize. Microsoft knew exactly what it was doing, that much is clear, and privacy isn’t private anymore — not by a long shot. AI made sure of that.
This new feature is one of a handful introduced with Windows 11. The latest operating system allows you to download Android apps, activate face and voice recognition, and implements enhanced security features to protect your PC. All of that doesn’t excuse the fact that Microsoft is forcing its users to authorize AI access of their personal files in order to use Windows 11.
Neither Myself Nor Elon Musk Are Pleased
By creating a Microsoft account, one must relinquish access of their personal files to Microsoft’s AI systems. By authorizing AI access to the PC’s content, the whole database becomes a gold mine for hackers. Not to mention the fact that Microsoft will be privy to your activity on the device at all times. As Musk so eloquently put it, “this is messed up.”
Thankfully, I have always been a fan of Apple over Microsoft. Even as I write this, I’m sitting comfortably with my MacBook Air. Now, that doesn’t mean that Apple should have access to my personal files either, but the perk of Apple’s computers is that you can gain limited access without an iCloud account.
Besides, I would much rather have my files stored in the Cloud over Microsoft’s AI sifting through them. Musk accurately mentions that Windows previously had an option whereby users could bypass the Microsoft account creation and use the PC without it. But as AI software swiftly overruns modern-day technology, it seems we might not have much of a choice anymore.
It’s a domino effect essentially. Consumerism and high demand sells the products, Microsoft continues to do whatever it wants with its software, and people turn a blind eye. If you need an affordable laptop, you’re more willing to overlook a small hiccup like a Microsoft account.
Obviously, that doesn’t fly with one of the richest men alive. And I might not be rich, or a man, but that doesn’t fly with me, either. Until Apple starts following in the footsteps of Microsoft, I think I’ll stick to my MacBook Air — thank you very much.
