Both Google and Apple have these sort of switches on the Android and iOS app markets. If you have a look at the Windows Store terms of use you’ll be able to see for yourself what Microsoft will have control over. However, while you may be somewhat concerned at Microsoft’s control over your apps, they’ll only ever really use this “kill switch” if it’s for your own safety.
“In cases where your security is at risk, or where we’re required to do so for legal reasons, you may not be able to run apps or access content that you previously acquired or purchased a license for,”In the case that you have purchased an app that has suddenly been deleted from your device for some reason or another, Microsoft will give you a refund which is fair enough. However Microsoft may also delete all data associated with that application from your machine, which could be somewhat irritating if you have some important files or documents that were associated with the app.
While Apple also has this “kill switch” on their app store, they’ve never actually used it. Each approved app must go through rigorous testing before it’s finally approved for the App Store, and while Apple has removed previously approved apps from the App Store, these apps are still on people devices and running fine and haven’t been remotely removed.
Google on the other hand has had to use their remote “kill switch” a couple of times due to a number of malicious apps being found on its store which is not subject to the same stringent quality and security control tests that Apple implement.
So I guess it’s a good thing as well as bad thing that Microsoft will be able to remotely deactivate and delete malicious apps.
What do you think? Is it a good or bad thing?
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