Microsoft Complaints Help Russian Gov't Pursue Political Opposition Groups

asaz989 writes "The New York Times reports that Russia selectively pursues software piracy complaints from Microsoft in order to suppress the opposition — confiscating computers for evidence, searching offices, and the like. Microsoft lawyers usually back the authorities in such cases, even when cases such as that of the environmentalist group Baikal Waves, which went out of its way to buy licenses to prevent police harassment and nevertheless had its offices raided, and its computers confiscated. Microsoft participated in this legal process. Published alongside this story, under the same byline, is a related piece on the collusion of Microsoft lawyers with corrupt Russian police in extorting money from the targets of software piracy investigations. In a responding press release, the company states, 'Microsoft antipiracy efforts are designed to honor both [antipiracy concerns and human rights], but we are open to feedback on what we can do to improve in that regard.'"

Comments

If ever there was a perfect reason to switch..

[phaggood]

to open source, this is a prime example. Sheesh!

Re:If ever there was a perfect reason to switch..

[dnaumov]

to open source, this is a prime example. Sheesh!

How would switching to open source help when you are getting raided on the PRETENSE you are using pirated software? You could be using a lab full od Linux PCs and still get raided to ensure you are "in compliance".

Re:If ever there was a perfect reason to switch..

[hoggoth]

Bullshit, bullshit, and more bullshit.

Every decision is made by a human being. I am tired of "corporations" getting a pass for immoral decisions because they are not people, but imaginary entities. Every corporation is run by people who sit behind a desk and decide what to do.

Every clerk who kills someone by denying them medical coverage is committing an immoral act.
The Microsoft exec who decided he could make his quarterly numbers by assisting in mafia-style protection and harassment cons against Russian companies is committing an immoral act.

Never forget that. Don't let it slide. When evil is done, someone made the decision to do it.

Re:'cause it's all about money

[mcneely.mike]

I know..... but that's why i think people should stop and think about what they are doing once in a while, instead of using Windows because everyone uses Windows even though it is crap.

People rag on about how weird Richard Stallman is, but he has been correct about pretty much everything.

This shows us exactly why we should NEVER be using software that locks us in and can be used to harm us.