TIA17> Privacy issue: Spying what your actions are

mopS04

 hi together,

consider there are checkboxes for activating feedback and, the green one, for data collection.

These are two different things. To deactivate feedback does not mean the data are not collected.

So technically this is okay. Or can you proof the data are sent?

just my thoughts,

regards,

Hello.

This is but a storm in a tea cup. Still users should be openly informed about this case.

Yes you are right. Keeping record of our interaction with TIA Portal is technically okay, when that data never gets sent.

I do feel uncomfortable with the fact that recordings are made while I expect it not to happen when opting out on all the options. My suspicions start with the the fact that users are not offered these choices on installing the software.

I cannot confirm if data is being sent out. My security software has locked out TIA / Updater from seeing any internet connection. So it is unclear if the software would attempt phoning home.

What would make me 'happy'?
1. On install the user is asked to opt-in on the software..
  a)  recording actions
  b)  recordings being sent to Siemens automatically

2. The options can be reviewed and change from the software options (as it is now).

3. The current documentation is expanded to mention how often and how much data is sent.

4. A statement in the documentation of how many logs (or how many MB) are kept on local storage.

Some middle ground on 1a) would be to have a statement in the documentation that at least say that a log is kept of user actions. That would be an alternative to offer users a choice. A little more expansion on what is logged would be nice. The PR spin on that can be that the documentation states what the logs do and how to reach it, so that the user can send this to Siemens Support when a problem occurs.

Hopefully we will hear soon from an official that there is no reason to worry about how data is collected on TIA Portal.

Best health.

Hello.

I have bad news. My security software picked up and blocked a connection to Siemens' servers. The connection was attempted when opening the help pages from Step7. Attached image as reference.

All options in TIA Portal V17 is set to not make use of any internet connection.

Regards.

Maybe with second part of V17 will fix this issue?

Too many log will also ruins SSD, it is better to set some option.

https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/us/en/view/109784439

siso 109784439

Due to the current situation (Covid-19), the delivery release for STEP 7 V17 will take place in two parts. A first delivery release for the downloads (planned for 28.05.) and a subsequent release (approx. 2 weeks later) for the package deliveries. The delivery of our software update service will take place with the first delivery release.

SIMATIC International Technical Support Hub

[snip]
Based on your feedback, we are currently checking whether the collection of basic data can also be suppressed/stopped if "Feedback on statistical usage data" is deactivated.

Best Regards,

SIMATIC International Technical Support Hub.

@SIMATIC International Technical Support Hub:

Hello, may this message find your team in good health.

Was there any movement on the investigation?
Is there anything that can be shared with us?

Hoping on your positive reply.
Sincere regards,
qwazee

SIMATIC International Technical Support Hub

Dear users,

Thanks for your feedback.

We are happy to inform you that the collection of basic data is corrected if "Feedback on statistical usage data" is deactivated, with the following software updates:

- TIA Portal V17:Update 1.

- TIA Portal V16:Update 5.

Best regards,

SIMATIC International Technical Support Hub.

Hello.

Am I to understand the fix was available since October 2021?

I have checked the "readme" that explains what changed for both updates you mention. 
[https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/attachments/109775861/ReadMe_TIA_V16_UPD5_enUS.pdf]

[https://support.industry.siemens.com/cs/attachments/109784441/ReadMe_TIA_V17_UPD1_enUS.pdf]

None of these "readme" files makes any mention that the "Feedback on statistical usage data" problem has been fixed.

--

I admire this of Rockwell Automation. I get the impression that Rockwell Automation actually report on the changelog everything that changed on firmware and software versions. I have seen some embarrassing fixes that Rockwell Automation applied in some changes which give me an idea of transparency.

Recently a Consumer Watch person in my area put it accurately - 
Companies do make mistakes. It is human nature to make mistakes. The problem becomes bigger when companies fail to communicate to their public. Companies are not measured by their ability to not ever make mistakes. It is they way they handle the mistakes (communicating with their public) and action steps taken, that makes them great.

Regards.