This service is still under evaluation process


Skype

http://www.skype.com

Collaboration service for video, audio, short messaging and file sharing. Video conferencing also available.

Terms of Service & Privacy Policy

http://www.skype.com/fi/legal
http://www.skype.com/en/legal
Transparency report

Evaluation

Skype is provided by Microsoft Corporation.

Skype offers audio calls for free of charge to anyone who uses also Skype. IMs and file deliveries are also free. Video calls between two people are free but including more people in to a videoconference requires monthly payment. Skype enables also calling on dial-up and sending SMS, these services are paid although considered fairly economical.

Technical function of the service is considered to be efficient and liable. Connection can be opened almost everywhere and complied in many web situations. Web traffic is well encrypted.

Skype traffic proceeds using Microsoft's own global server infrastructure. 

Same conduit is used for both file transmission and videoconference which limits confidential files out of the service based on security reasons.

Skype gathers much confidential information about the user (email addresses and passwords, Facebook account information etc., all information is not mandatory though but acceptable to give, Skype does not save all this kind of information). Personal data and cookies may be used for customized marketing. Skype uses user`s profile information (non-personally identifiable data such as age, language etc.) for promotional purposes and that information may be given to third parties also for a marketing purposes. User can deny this kind of marketing by prohibiting the use of his profile data. Prohibition does not exclude all advertisements.

Microsoft is obligated to convey information to USA intelligence officers when required (FISA legislation).

Changes in Terms of service are informed in Skype`s internet site only.


+ Personal data will not be given to third parties except for rare occasions (but no marketing purposes)
+ Technical functioning is considered to be good and liable
+ Traffic encryption is considered to be liable
+ Skype Communications SARL is registered in Luxemburg and according to Microsoft it is answering local legislation 
+/- Tailored advertising can be opt-out but it does not include all advertisement

- Changes in Terms of Service announced only on the site
- Little known of the encryption methods and keys
- Microsoft`s obligation to give information to the USA intelligence officers
- Gathers much confidential information about the user

Login

With service registration
Microsoft account
Facebook account

Support

https://support.skype.com/en/

Provider

Skype Communications SARL, a division of Microsoft Corp.

Similar services

Apple iMessage, Google+