Is Microsoft’s Wallpaper App Spying on Your Browser?
Microsoft’s Bing Wallpaper app, promoted as a way to enhance your desktop with beautiful images, has raised significant privacy concerns. Reports suggest the app doesn’t stop at delivering wallpapers—it also pushes Bing as the default search engine and checks browser cookies from Chrome and Edge. Some experts claim this behavior feels invasive, prompting comparisons to malware and sparking privacy concerns.
Developer Rafael Rivera uncovered troubling details about the app, including how it urges users to switch their default browser to Bing, even on competing platforms like Chrome and Firefox. Microsoft acknowledges that the app reviews cookies to avoid repetitive prompts but denies broader claims of invasive activity. Still, many feel these tactics cross the line, reviving complaints about Microsoft aggressively steering users toward its services.
The app is now sparking debates about transparency and user choice. Privacy experts recommend skipping this download and being cautious with apps that may collect more data than expected. Always research software carefully, especially when it’s designed to integrate deeply with your system.
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