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.
Skype is provided by Microsoft Corporation.
Terms of Service & Privacy Policy
http://www.skype.com/en/legal/tou/
http://www.skype.com/en/legal/privacy/
Evaluation
+ 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 Skype's Internet 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
- Skype traffic uses proxy servers. Proxies are located in all around the world.
Login
With service registration
Microsoft account
Facebook account
Support
Provider
Skype Communications SARL, a division of Microsoft Corp.
Similar services
Apple iMessage, Google+