I try very hard to never use Microsoft products, that's for sure let there be no mis-understandings about that. So I can't comment on what the most recent incarnation of Windows does but I'm well aware that Skype did not change for the better after MS took over.
Even so, saying this as not exactly a Microsoft fan (to put it very mildly) their words (not necessarily their deeds) are spot on, this is really what is needed and privacy really is a fundamental human right.
Now if they will actually act on these words it will count for something.
> I'm well aware that Skype did not change for the better after MS took over
While I'm acutely aware of the negative impact various changes had on privacy, cf the leaked documents referencing it, however I'm not sure that statement is blanketly true.
I can now have Skype running on my phone where previously it used to drain the battery in a few hours flat. That is, personally, a huge improvement.
Another thing I've noticed is I get both better video quality (when I use video, I prefer audio only) and I get less disconnects due to "network" reasons.
Privacy of European computer users requires NSA vassal companies, e.g. Microsoft, to fuck off because they aren't reliable.
Microsoft isn't going to magically become reliable only because it says it cares about privacy, nor because it actually defends the privacy of USA customers (which is remotely possible after all).
Microsoft is currently in contempt of court because they're refusing to hand over data the US government wants. They're appealing. If Microsoft isn't reliable, then nobody is. And if that's the case, then it's not a problem with Microsoft, it's a problem with everybody, everywhere, that is within the reach of the US government. Which is everyone.
I also went ahead to not help anyone to install, fix, or do any type of support for such systems; instead I always have with me a usb drive ready to live-test linux, and to replace that ugly thing.
Even so, saying this as not exactly a Microsoft fan (to put it very mildly) their words (not necessarily their deeds) are spot on, this is really what is needed and privacy really is a fundamental human right.
Now if they will actually act on these words it will count for something.