Oculus Rift collects data about users’ physical movements

The terms of use of Oculus’ virtual reality glasses Rift state that in addition to digital information from the user such as the IP address, the Rift may also collect data such as the movements that the user makes with the glasses on.

When a user installs the software required to use the Rift, a program is created with full system access, called ‘OVRServer_64.exe’. This program is always on while using the Rift, and regularly sends information to Oculus owner Facebook’s servers, noted Reddit user Woofington.

The terms of use indicate that the Rift software collects a variety of information. The collection of data by a program is not uncommon, and many programs transmit information about, for example, games played and content, or about the system used for it. In this it is comparable to the information that HTC’s Vive also collects about its users. Both glasses also collect precise location information, including the IP address, GPS signals and WiFi networks. The terms of the Rift, not the Vive, state that the Rift user consents to the collection of information about the physical movements made while using the headset.

Much of the data is collected to keep track of what virtual reality content is popular and how the service can be improved. It is also possible with both the Rift and the Vive that the information sent is used for marketing. The information retrieved is used to gauge the user’s interests and to send advertising and the like based on that information.

The first consumer versions of the Rift have already been delivered, but many others will still have to wait for their virtual reality glasses. Oculus is dealing with a shortage of parts, which means that many people who have ordered the glasses have to wait longer than originally indicated. To compensate, Oculus has made the shipping of the glasses free for many orders. The HTC Vive will be delivered from the beginning of April.