MSPoweruser is reporting that Microsoft has—once again—slipped ads into Windows 10 apps, including Mail and Calendar. Unlike previous instances, however, this time the ads cannot be disabled.
The last time Microsoft placed ads in their flagship apps was over a year ago, in November 2018. At the time, the ads were labeled an “experiment,” and did not display for paid Office 365 subscribers. In contrast, this time around, the ads are displaying for all users.
According to MSPoweruser, when asked about the ads, Microsoft said:
“The ads within the app itself will be displayed regardless of which email address you use it with. It is not removable, but you can submit it as a suggestion within the Feedback Hub on Windows 10 here: https://msft.it/6012TVPXG.”
It’s one thing for companies who provide free software and services to support those offerings with advertising. It’s entirely another, however, for paying users of premium software to be subjected to ads, let alone ones that cannot be disabled. Microsoft is setting a horrible precedent with this decision.
For a company that has taken admirable steps of late to respect users and protect their rights, hopefully they will reverse this abysmal policy.
