Latest Skype upgrade agreement too broad; a non-starter for me. [ Edited ]

[VistaViewer]

The latest upgrade includes a new agreement that I find totally objectionable. It says:

"For future updates, Skype may automatically install the latest version to your computer without you having to do anything."

I assume the phrase "...to do anything." means "without granting permission" and may be done without my knowledge. OUCH!

Considering the fact that Skype is now owned by Microsoft, there is absolutely NO WAY I am going to grant unfettered unrestricted access to my computer without my knowledge or prior consent TO ANY VENDOR. Microsoft offers this type of secret update access but also gives the user three choices, including just being informed of availability of updates. So why in the world would I give Skype, now a Microsoft proxy, a permission that exceeds that of Microsoft? It makes no sense at all.

Given the lousy security situation on the Internet I find this "agreement" to be subject to possible abuse on several levels. So I'm going to stick with my current version (5.5.0.124) until Skype delivers a more sensible approach that addresses my security needs.

Incidently, I've been a paid Skype subscriber since 2002. It has been a great solution for me, but everything has its limits.

[waschbaer]

I agree, it's surprising there aren't more complaints about this! As far as I know, skype is the only program I use that has started making updates mandatory, without even giving an option for user permission. Why?

[Mipe]

This issue only presented to me upon log on this morning, one week after the original post. It would appear this upgrade is being rolled out gradually? Whatever the case, I won't be installing this upgrade either, and I'll begin keeping an eye out for an alternate service. Google?

[Mipe]

Skype has fixed this issue with version 5.9 - it allows users to turn off auto updates.

[VistaViewer]

I tried it again, Friday May4 and it does not operate the way you claim.

The message still says:

"For future updates, Skype may automatically install the latest version to your computer without you having to do anything."

So there has been NO CHANGE in the policy whatsoever.

There is NO WAY I am going to let Skype, Microsoft, or any vendor access my computer "automatically" and without my knowledge or permission on a per-access basis. I have way too much to lose to allow this.

VV

[newcopia]

it is too broad for me too. Skype has gone downhill since Microsoft took it over, too bad

[Mipe]

I had to upgrade again to get the current version, the version in my cue didn't work. The version I have that works is 5.9.0.114. The auto update choice is found under tools>options>advanced>automatic updates. Running Microsoft Updates can install Skype updates now, but you can choose when and if to do it.

So make sure you have version 5.9.0.114 or later.

[VistaViewer]

That sounds Great!

But I don't have any update options under "tools>options>advanced>automatic updates". I'm still running v5.5.0.124

The version that Skype is offering me for update still has the still restrictive policy on the initial screen.

So based on what you are saying, I guess I have to "agree" to the policy that I reject in order to get the version you describe; the one with the less invasive policy. It would be better if they would just remove the restriction at the point of the upgrade offer, instead of offering it on a LATER version. Or just offer me the later version that doesn't have it.

Go figure! The classic "chicken and egg" problem. Can't get there from here.

But I do appreciate your input.

[Mipe]

Yeah, me too. Workaround: download the latest from the skype website, and run that installer.

[laobi]

I upgraded to "the latest version" for Windows today (May 14, 2012) and got 5.8.0.158. Seems that 5.9 is unavailable, and Microsoft now has unlimited permission. I'll see what Google offers so I can delete Skype.