Microsoft on Thursday responded to user outrage over a new anti-piracy plug-in that blacks out the screen of computers loaded with pirated software.
“We are extremely grateful for our users’ attention. At the same time, we believe there are numerous misunderstandings about the Windows Office Genuine Advantage program,” the company said, responding to concerns that the software tool was notifying Microsoft of the identity of users who had installed non-authentic copies of Windows XP. Microsoft sought to soften users’ reaction to a “black screen” and reminder that they should use legitimate Microsoft products with an open letter in Chinese to its users, sent to IDG News Service by e-mail and published by numerous Chinese media outlets.
“We absolutely guarantee that we will not in any way collect the user’s name, e-mail address, or any other information that can be used to identify the user,” Microsoft said. The company said that participation in the Windows Genuine Advantage program is voluntary, and that users’ computers will not be deactivated or otherwise affected…
