Hotmail
Microsoft's piracy check draws fire, lawsuits
Software performs a daily check-in with the company
Tech Holiday Gift Guide |
 10 best Xbox 360 games of 2009 With all the incredible games that have been released for Microsoft’s Xbox 360 this year, trying to write a “Best of 2009” list feels an awful lot like trying to stick 20 pounds of sand into a 2-pound sack. |
Real Women’s Guide to Technology |
An MSN special that focuses on consumer technologies that can benefit women. |
 | Tech and gadgets videos |
 Tool lets insurance firms monitor driver habits Insurance company monitors driver habits with special device. WKYC's Michael O'Mara reports. |
 | Video |
 |
Auto Tech |
A better economy may lure buyers, but these trends could seal the deal. |
SEATTLE - Microsoft's drawing complaints and lawsuits over the way it checks for pirated copies of its Windows operating system.
Eighteen months after announcing the piracy check, Microsoft faces controversy and backlash, including two lawsuits.
(MSNBC.com is a joint venture of Microsoft and NBC Universal News.)
While Microsoft had told users the new software would gather information related to piracy, some people became alarmed when they discovered the software also was performing a daily check-in with the company. Microsoft has since discontinued the daily check and revised its disclosures.
But critics saw the undisclosed communications as a breach of privacy and trust. Microsoft faces two federal lawsuits over the software, both of which accuse the company of violating laws that seek to combat spyware. The lawsuits seek class-action status.
- Discuss Story On Newsvine
-
Rate Story:
View popularLowHigh - Instant Message
MORE FROM TECH AND GADGETS |
 Tech and gadgets Section Front |
| Add Tech and gadgets headlines to your news reader: |
Resource guide