14 DAY TRIAL // Just because a software product is cheap enough to fit into the “too good to be true” category, or even free from BitTorrent trackers or warez software, it doesn’t mean that users aren’t paying for it. It’s just that the hidden costs associated with piracy are less, and not immediately, visible. Victims of piracy can have their computers infected with malware just by installing counterfeit products, but also lose their identity, and have their sensitive information, such as credit card data, stolen, etc. However, customers tricked into buying pirated software are indeed fighting back, Microsoft revealed, as it launched the Consumer Action Day.
According to the Redmond-based company, voluntary reports of bootlegged Microsoft products have doubled in the last two years. The software giant indicated that no less than 150,000 such reports were directed at it over the past couple of years, a figure that Microsoft applauded as the result of growing concern of the effects of piracy. It is offering users of its main cash cows, such as Windows and Office, a way to easily assess whether their software is legitimate, and to report pirated materials, via the How to Tell website.
“Consumers want action. The majority of our enforcement cases announced today resulted from tips and reports from consumers,” explained David Finn, associate general counsel for Worldwide Anti-Piracy and Anti-Counterfeiting at Microsoft. “Consumers who are duped by fraudulent software encounter viruses, lose personal information, risk having their identities stolen, and waste valuable time and money. Today’s announcement demonstrates our commitment to working with others, including our partners, government agencies and nongovernmental organizations, to protect people from the ill effects of counterfeit software.”
At the same time, Microsoft is doing its best to work with governments in markets around the world in order to curve the piracy phenomenon. The latest example of the company’s efforts is dubbed the Consumer Action Day. It is via Consumer Action Day-related initiatives in more than 70 countries worldwide that Microsoft is trying to educate customers that piracy is by no means a victimless crime. In addition to educational initiatives, Microsoft and local authorities are also launching enforcement actions designed to protect consumers from bootleggers selling counterfeit software.
Through Consumer Action Day, Microsoft wants users to know that it will not only hear them if they have become victims of piracy, but that it will also work to bring criminals to justice. Still, at least for the time being, the fight against piracy is a fierce one where customers are the undisputed underdog. But those with enough courage to speak out will find that Microsoft is ready to hear their problems, and to act on their behalf.
“If they install software and their computer starts acting strangely, or if they’ve purchased a product and it just doesn’t seem right, they should go to How to Tell and check it out. It’s easy, voluntary, confidential, free and totally worth it in terms of peace of mind,” Finn said. “And to avoid this situation entirely, consumers should only purchase from an authorized Microsoft reseller or via the Microsoft Online Store in available countries.”