Microsoft SkyDrive not so private, no nude content or profanity in the cloud or risk being Banned

OK, so this is semi off topic simply because Android has yet to get access to Microsoft SkyDrive. We do know that an app is on the way though, so that reels it back in a bit. With concerns of privacy a major upset across any service, device and company, this little hidden aspect of the EULA for SkyDrive is a bit concerning. After all, SkyDrive is a cloud based storage system where you can upload your files, photos, documents and a number of other things to have access to them via apps and the web across the globe. It is supposed to be yours and yours alone. What you choose to put into SkyDrive is your own business and no one else’s. Not according to Microsoft though.

Their EULA states that no user is allowed to upload “nudity of any sort, including full or partial human nudity, or nudity in nonhuman forms such as cartoons, fantasy art or manga”. Further more the system won’t allow you to upload any files that contain “pornography”, “vulgarity”, “profanity”,”gratuitous violence”. 

If you planned to take screenshots of your favorite kill shot in a popular video game where blood goes everywhere, you should probably not try to upload it to SkyDrive. Similar situation for artist out there that do nude photography or artwork. Don’t even think about uploading a funny nudism cartoon or nude space woman.

When Ventur Beat attempted to get an answer from Microsoft on why the EULA is so specific and detailed against any and all nudity, the spokesperson had this to say –

Any content we find to be in violation of our Code of Conduct is subject to removal — and in rare cases, can lead to temporary or permanent shutdown of an account. We understand no system is perfect. That’s why we are constantly improving our ability to ensure the privacy, security and availability of our users’ data around the world.

Of course there are EULA’s for all cloud storage systems. In a nut shell they are –

• Dropbox – Don’t break the law
• Box – Don’t break the law
• SugarSync – Don’t break the law. Upload anything for personal use just don’t share/distribute obscene content
• Google Drive –  No “publishing” (read: sharing) content that includes sexually explicit material, bullying, violence, and more.

So the four mentioned above are pretty open. If you legally obtained what you are storing, don’t violate DMCA or other federal, state or local laws you are good to go. But if you upload a photo of you and your wife a clothing free resort with nothing but a smile and a margarita, chances are your SkyDrive account will be shut down. Don’t laugh, a German photographer (the picture above) got his account into some hot water because he did a photo shoot with a couple using his HD7 and they were uploaded to his SkyDrive account for later processing and use.

We can fully understand the need for some sort of protection from storing and sharing DMCA files, applications, crack files and child pornography. We just don’t understand how private files of explicit nature that we may or may not have stored in the cloud is any business of Microsoft’s or anyone else.

Let’s hear from our readers? Will this EULA from Microsoft for SkyDrive keep you from using the service with Windows 8 and your Android device when the app launches? Will you be scared that an image you upload might be to risque for Microsoft and get you banned? Or perhaps you write-up a letter telling your boss off and it contains a lot of profanity and you store it. All of which would get you noticed by the eye in the sky and potentially get your account shut down. Oh, lets not forget to mention, this is built into the Window-Live code of conduct. Meaning you XBox Live account would be in jeopardy, your Outlook account, Windows-Live mail and anything else that is connected to it.

Sources: Ventur Beats and mwpoweruser