Oculus Responds to Senator Al Franken's Privacy Concerns
Oculus has formally responded to U.S. Senator Al Franken’s questions regarding consumers’ privacy issues when it was revealed last month that the company will have access to monitor and collect data from users interacting with the Rift virtual reality headset.
In a detailed letter, Oculus General Counsel, Jordan McCollum, addressed each of Senator Franken’s concerns and provided deep insight into how Oculus intends to collect, use, and share user information with the purpose of creating the absolute best VR experiences and services on its platform.
According to Oculus, collecting data such as physical movements and dimensions not only helps improve its services, but is a necessary tool to deliver “a safe, comfortable and seamless VR experience.”
Oculus also strongly expressed its effort to maintain the trust of the people and recognizes that privacy and security are among its most critical priorities not just for the company’s success, but for the entire VR community.
“At Oculus, we believe that maintaining people’s trust is critical to the long-term growth of not just our company, but the entire VR community,” McCollum wrote in the letter. “It’s why privacy and security are core to our product and company principles. Our approach to protecting people’s information permeates every aspect of our organization.”
In a follow-up press statement, Sen. Franken said he appreciated the detailed response from Oculus and planned to continue to work with the company to ensure that Oculus Rift users have “greater clarity about the company’s current practices and are provided necessary updates about any future uses of their personal information.”
Oculus knows it needs to be as transparent as possible when addressing issues of consumer privacy and security. So, it’s good to see this open dialogue and cooperation on such an important subject.
In closing, Oculus says they welcome any further questions the Senator may have, and extend an invitation to demonstrate the Oculus Rift technology, so he can experience the “revolutionary potential of VR” and its benefits.