Microsoft has responded to reports of the NSA's alleged mass surveillance of their Xbox Live system and using games such as "World Of Warcraft" to listen on private chats.
According to Eurogamer.net, documents from whistleblower Edward Snowden that were published in The Guardian claim the U.K.'s GCHQ and the NSA were able to successfully listen to discussions between gamers on Xbox Live in 2008.
However, Microsoft claims they had no knowledge of the alleged spying using their Xbox Live system.
"We're not aware of any surveillance activity," a Microsoft spokesperson told Eurogamer.net. "If it has occurred as reported, it certainly wasn't done with our consent."
Blizzard, "World of Warcraft" developers, also confirmed they did not authorize any surveillance of their gamers and is "unaware" of any government intrusions.
The GCHQ did not confirm the's Guardian's report. However, the British agency told Eurogamer.net any actions taken were "in accordance with a strict legal and policy framework which ensures that its activities are authorized, necessary and proportionate, and there is rigorous oversight, including from the secretary of state, the interception and intelligence services commissioners and the Intelligence and Security Committee".
NSA operatives were also reportedly listening in on "Second Life" conversations as well.
Microsoft has been vocal in the past about their outrage over the government surveillance of their customers, joining other companies such as Google, Yahoo, Facebook and Twitter in a document entitled "Global Government Surveillance Reform".
"People won't use technology they don't trust," Microsoft's legal boss Brad Smith commented. "Governments have put this trust at risk, and governments need to help restore it."
The tech giants want limits on the governments' authority to collect user data and agencies to be held accountable for their surveillance.
What do you think about the NSA and GCHQ allegedly spying on gamers? Leave a comment below.
