From the People's Daily Online...Software giant Microsoft has sparked a major controversy among millions of Chinese computer users with the nationwide launch yesterday of its "Screen Blackout" anti-piracy program.
Dong Zhengwei, 35, a Beijing lawyer, described Microsoft "as the biggest hacker in China with its intrusion into users' computer systems without their agreement or any judicial authority".
Dong, who filed a complaint with the Ministry of Public Security on Sunday, told China Daily yesterday: "Microsoft's measure will cause serious functional damage to users' computers and, according to China's Criminal Law, the company can stand accused of breaching and hacking into computer systems of Chinese."
Dong's arguement is that Microsoft should "target producers and sellers of fake software, not users." Sort of akin to a defense of "I knew the car was stolen, but as I didn't actually do the stealing I should still be allowed to drive it."
Ironically, Dong doesn't seem to be up to date on the latest Chinese legislation. In Shenzhen, the regional government has just passed a new law stating that company's have the right to protect the copyright of their software. For example, they can adopt protection functions such as encryption software communication protocols, software installation licenses, software registration certificates and digital watermarkings. Any person who issues these certifications without authorization; who breaks or counterfeits the software communications protocol; who breaks the digital watermarking; and who avoids or breaks the anti-piracy technology and equipment of software will be punished with a fine of CNY30,000 to CNY70,000.
Comments (2)
Publicity stunt, methinks.
Posted by Dan | October 22, 2008 4:37 PM
Posted on October 22, 2008 16:37
If they didn't buy the pirated software in the first place, then they wouldn't have gotten this problem...
Posted by Diamonds | October 24, 2008 5:57 PM
Posted on October 24, 2008 17:57