Intel's Arc GPU drivers now include a new function known as the "Compute Improvement Program" which collects telemetry data & is enabled by default.
Intel Arc GPU Drivers Now Have Telemetry Data Collection Enabled By Default But Users Can Still Disable It
The Intel Arc 101.4578 BETA graphics drivers include the CIP (Compute Improvement Program) function. This new functionality enables data collection which can lead to a better experience in terms of computing but for those who might find this feature a bit too intrusive, they can disable the function but for those who are downloading this driver without this info, the data collection is enabled by default.
The CIP block can simply be disabled by unchecking the option when you are in the installer menu. The CIP is intended towards bringing improvements to Intel products, by collecting necessary data. As said by Intel, the CIP does not collect your name, email address, phone number, personal info, or physical location (except for country) however, based on Intel's description, it will collect data such as:
- The categories of websites you visit, but not the URL itself
- How you use your computer
- System information from your computer
- Other devices in your computing environment
Telemetry data basically involves collecting values and stats of your PC usage which helps companies improve their existing software and hardware products. This approach is also taken by NVIDIA and AMD, but Team Green does it in a "forced manner", gathering telemetry info by default when you download GeForce drivers, and consumers can't avoid it. Meanwhile, AMD has the most user-friendly manner of letting people know to prompt in or out of the data collection process & we can hope Intel can further highlight this to users in the official driver release. So to sum up the trio of GPU vendors' data collection methodology:
- AMD: Prompt After Installation (Not Enabled By Default)
- Intel: Prompt Before Installation (Enabled By Default)
- NVIDIA: Enabled By Default (No Prompt)
Giving Intel the option of collecting telemetry data will be beneficial for consumers since it will potentially lead to an easier diagnosis of problems along with an accelerated fix. Since the Arc platform is relatively newer, being a part of CIP won't lead to anything malicious and will ultimately help Intel elevate the platform.
News Source: TechPowerUp
