Threaded Messages - Scary?

So, with the preview update, MS has recently unveiled "threaded messaging" which shows you the entire history of a conversation you have with another XBL user. In a way, this kind of scares me a bit because I've always wondered just how much MS can see when
it comes to my messages and have discussed this with many other people over the years on all MS' consoles, specifically with voice messages - many swore that even they wouldn't have the resources to track that much information - it appears they may have been
wrong, at least starting with the Xbox One, where voice messages aren't an issue.

If I send what I consider a personal or private message to a close friend, can they see it? Could they do something about it? Could they judge me based on what I say? As it turns out, with the advent of the threaded messaging system, the answer to all of
these questions seems to be a resounding yes.

Now, I've known you can report messages and/or other players through the use of enforcement actions, but I was never sure if you had to keep the message or if a report became null and void if you deleted the message (effectively eliminating any evidence
in the process). Since the threaded message update, however, I've started to see that messages I or others have deleted in the past have resurfaced. This alone proves that MS tracks and saves your messages, even if you do not.

Not to be too cynical, but I see that as a way of sorts for them to spy on us - then again, XBL has always been a relatively public service, so I'd take that with a grain of salt. I like to think that even though they may track the messages, they may not
actually be able to see the message unless a report is filed (in which case, they can so they can investigate the alleged violation of the XBL ToU or CoC). So, that's good because it ensures that proper enforcement can be taken against those who may try and
abuse the service. However, it's also bad because it gives them a way to see what we may send to other users, even if the intention is good (in this case to enforce the service's expectations). If they or someone is unscrupulous enough, they can potentially
learn a lot about us, what we do, what we like, what we hate, and then sell that to other companies so they can then advertise to us at best and use it against us at worst. In fact, regarding the former, I'm willing to bet that they already do this. For example,
I send a message about seeing Guardians of the Galaxy with my family and the next thing I know, I'm starting to see other movie advertisements in all of my XBL apps and even on my PC.

This may come as absolutely no surprise to many of you since it's been obvious that MS already tracks numerous things, such as what games we've played and when, which achievements we get (which in turn gives them an idea of how we play), etc. Still, I find
it kind of disappointing that some parts, such as messaging, are not considered off-limits. Maybe I'm wrong, maybe they are. I'm sure MS has numerous privacy policies in place to protect us in this regard, but still it's worth knowing that your information,
if you share it in an XBL message, is out there and that someone can see it. So, I say unto you - be careful with the information you send to others; the person on the other end of your message isn't the only one receiving it.

What's your take on this? Did you already know this happened with your messages? If so, how? Does it bother you at all? If so, why? I'd like to know your thoughts in your replies below.

:)

 

Getting d-dos offline

and he threaded to hack me

 

Put your tinfoil hats on people

I'm talking primarily about closed networks - the kind that aren't connected online. The only way you can tap those is to be physically there.

As for the threaded text messages, I'm not paranoid - it was just something I took notice of, was thinking about, and wanted to share it. Please don't jump to conclusions...

 

I have no quarrels with this. Nor the "Spying" non sense. You have more to worry about with your cell phone than you do with Xbox Live. Everything is tracked in every aspect of your life for a variety of security reasons.

I like the new messaging system.

 

what is the difference between you sending a single message or sending an update to a already established list?

 

The difference is that with a single message, I wasn't fully aware that previous replies that lead up to that message were being tracked.

 

First, you still don't know your messages are being tracked, just that they are being saved. It's not like some MS employee is retyping those messages for you, the data used to transmit the message is just not being deleted immediately.

Second, EVERYTHING on the internet can be seen by other people. Your fb messages, aim before that, twitter, even email. All of this data is stored somewhere, so why would you not be paranoid about using any of these services, also? If you honestly want your
communications kept completely secret, only communicate via face to face communication.

 

Personally I really like the threaded messages. It's about time, I say. For the same reasons I like it in phone texting.

 

You have no expectation of privacy on Live. Anything you post, be it a message to another player or a PM on the forums, is viewable by employees of Microsoft.

 

*Puts on tin foil hat*

MS is the devil. I knew they were watching me through that Kinect thing, and now they are watching my messages. I am going to build my bunker and live my life peacefully without MicroSpy!

*Takes off tin foil hat*

Oh no MS is tracking your messages. I am not honestly seeing an issue with threaded messages. And have to wonder why GG does. I also have to wonder why you are sending such personal messages via XBL. I also have to wonder if privacy is a concern do you use
a throwaway email address for your MS account. I also have to wonder if you have a Credit Card linked to your profile, what if MS gets hacked and that info leaks? I also have to wonder if you use your real name on your MS account. I also have to wonder why
I commented on this silly thread. And lastly I wonder if you wrap yourself in tinfoil and walk around town fearing radio waves, and aliens

 

If I have something private or personal to say to someone I say it in person not on Xbox. Everything you do can been if they really wanted to whether it's text messages etc. Face to face is the way to go.

 

If you thought they could not see them then you really had no clue. How in the world did you think PET would investigate people for harassment, profanity and anything else they could send in messages. Can they see them? obviously yes Can they judge you?
Yes!! Every person can judge another by what they see. Difference is they are all under a heavy NDA that keeps them for saying a word about what they see. Most would rather follow the rules than risk the MS law team coming after them for anything.

This is not anything I have heard. I just don't see how in the world they could do half of the job PET does without having proof to back up what they do.

 

Ya Playstation has been doing the threaded messages since launch. You can still delete them it's not really any different then before. But like was mentioned Microsoft has always been able to pull up your message history

But who cares just don't get involved in terrorism and you'll be fine. Other then that they don't care what your saying in a personal text unless the person who receives it flags it.

 

I like the threaded messages because on more than one occasion I've forgotten what I sent someone and have no idea what they are talking about when they reply lol

 

Threaded messages should have been since the beginning when messages started. I am guessing XBOX 360. Was there messaging with the original XBOX? Can't believe it has taken MS this long to implement it.