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MS Seeks Patent For Repossessing School Computers

Posted by kdawson on from the what-were-they-thinking dept.

theodp writes "Microsoft has applied for a patent for 'securely providing advertising subsidized computer usage.' The application describes how face-recognition webcams and CAPTCHAs can be used in schools to ensure that computer users are paying attention to ads, and the recourse of 'disabling or even repossessing the computer' if they are not."

2 of 299 comments (clear)

  1. Typical Slashdot garbage by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Informative

    Typical Slashdot garbage, the headline misrepresents the content of the story.

  2. Re:um, no? by Flexagon · · Score: 3, Informative

    Did you even read the patent?

    Yes, I did. It refers in part to a common owner, for example, a business or school [emphasis mine].

    [From the grandparent] Why ... would anyone want to use this?

    Schools that believe they are strapped for cash do. Several years ago, our kids got McDonald's ads disguised as class exercises. For example, if you buy a Big Mac and fries for such and such prices, what is the total? All illustrated with logos and characters. Teachers would remove the sheets from a child's curriculum upon request, but despite ongoing complaints, administrators ignored the general problem until Consumer Reports reported the practice. There have also been subsidized soft drink machines and TV. They will keep trying and we must continue to object.