Your question is a good one and I don't have the time to go in to a full explanation but if you have windows 10 click on the windows button on the far left bottom, then click on the settings icon, then click on the Privacy icon. Now click on the icons for camera or microphone and actually read what applications are being given permission to access them. Next, click on each of the other icons to see what you permission you are giving Microsoft. I think what you will see is you are giving Microsoft permission to access everything from your camera to your microphone to your calendar and contacts to much of what you type whether searching Google or searching your own PC for a file and much more. You are not giving anyone access to this when you use SteemIt. Hope this helps.