Microsoft moves to curb politically motivated software raids in Russia
Microsoft is clamping down on the Russian authorities propensity to co-opt the software firms struggle against the theft of intellectual property as cover for the appropriation of computer systems from dissident groups.
Russia has been accused of timing the seizure of such systems in order to disrupt the organisation of protests and campaigns whilst ignoring allies who are rarely, if ever, investigated for the use of illegal software.
Previously Microsoft had supported these politically motivated raids, calling for criminal charges to be made, but now the firm has decided to provide a blanket software license to advocacy groups and media outlets.
Microsoft’s senior vice president, Brad Smith, wrote on a company blog: “We want to be clear that we unequivocally abhor any attempt to leverage intellectual property rights to stifle political advocacy or pursue improper personal gain. We are moving swiftly to seek to remove any incentive or ability to engage in such behavior.”