MS Seeks Patent For Repossessing School Computers

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."

Comments

Why advertise to someone

[Anonymous Coward]

who can't afford a 100-200$ computer ? what are you going to sell them ?

of course the solution is simple in regard to children, simply forbid advertising of any kind that is directly targeted at a minor

people who prey or exploit kids need help, 9mm help

Timely?

[Ixne]

This patent application was filed at the end of 2005... why is it just now coming up?

Carbonated Beverages and Behaviour Modification

[purduephotog]

A diet pepsi costs the following- can you match them up?

1) $1.00
2) $1.25
3) $1.39

with
A) Work Vending Machine
B) School Vending Machine
C) Grocery Store

If you said 1-B, 2-A, and 3-C, you're Right!

What does that mean? Exploit the students. Get them addicted to soda, (We called it 'coke' where I come from and for good reason), profit insanely at their completely disposable income, and they'll continue to provide for you the rest of your corporate career!

This patent is sickening. Schools currently use IE, but as they switch to ad-blockable content (anything available for IE) then there is SO much profit-potential lost it's absurd.

We (I and several other individuals) mentor about 30 HS students. It is TRULY amazing how much their minds are like sponges- and how easy it can be to inadvertently modify their behavior. An unkind word, a stern glance, and the next thing you know they want nothing to do with that topic. It's insane. The mentors themselves end up having to walk this twisted line of professional dedication (our backgrounds) and playing psychologist ("How does that make you feel").

Let's face it- the whole point of this is about money, and cash is king. The brains are just too wired for this behaviour (Nestle's Chocobot hour) to be anything but profitable thru very specific programming.

They'll get the patent..... and it'll be up to us to fight the intrusion into the school. Here's a hint- it'll be over a decade, nice and slow, thru 'gifts' of OS and computers...

Re:um, no?

[mfh]

The problem I have is that this is a whole other spin on 1984. If the local school board, for example, gets free computers, but in exchange for their free computers, students are forced to look at advertising, or lose the computers, then a conflict of interest triangle exists between the schools, Microsoft and the student body.

Teachers are supposed to be teaching a fair and objective view of history. Microsoft is supposed to be making money any way possible, like any good organization. Students are supposed to be thwarting any possible system to the bitter end.

So the students whip out the same magic marker they used to thwart the CD DRMs of yonder age, and they mark the cams so that MS thinks they are using them.

I hate Microsoft, and now it's official. I was actually on the fence prior to this Slashdot article. Now my mind is made up! ;-)

Thanks Slashdot!