Yes, many corporations do both internal research and development as well as research as a service. This obviously seems to include Microsoft and Google.

I wouldn’t says it’s junk science, whole cloth. But it is focused on making a profit. Which does differentiate it some with say university research.

I see. Thanks. I have an outlook account attached to my pc so this does NOT apply to me and I’m apparently in danger of this occurring.

What is a “real” Microsoft account?

What does that mean. A local account?

What does that mean? If I have a 3+ year old Windows am I unlikely to be affected?