Windows 10 Scan-and-Block Piracy Fears May Be Unfounded

Some of the terms and conditions applying to Windows 10 users appear to give Microsoft permission to block software it suspects is illegal. However, it seems the clause may be a case of a careless cut-and-paste, rather than a firm policy.

The text appears in the Microsoft Services Agreement. That's not strictly the terms and conditions of Windows 10 itself, but rather Microsoft's various online services. It's come to wider attention because so many of these services are used by apps built into Windows 10.

Microsoft Can Block Games and Peripherals

Among the agreement's clauses is a sentence which reads:

"We may automatically check your version of the software and download software updates or configuration changes, including those that prevent you from accessing the Services, playing counterfeit games, or using unauthorized hardware peripheral devices." (Source: forbes.com)

That's prompted confusion and anger among some parts of the computing community, particularly gamers. They are arguing that even if Microsoft has the right to try to fight piracy, it's a step too far that it should be able to effectively disable the user's software.

There's also a question about exactly how Microsoft knows what software is on your machine in the first place, with fears that if it can and does scan for programs, it could also be looking at other files such as documents.

Piracy Legal Wording Likely Taken From Xbox Service

In practice, however, it appears this is more likely confusing wording rather than conspiracy. The most likely explanation is that the text is simply copied from existing agreements for customers of Xbox Live, the service that lets console owners play against each other online.

The measures in the sentence don't merely apply to pirated games, but also to users trying to modify software and hardware to gain an unfair advantage against other players. That's why there's a reference to "unauthorized hardware peripheral devices." (Source: pcworld.com)

Microsoft has yet to comment publicly on the clause. It's that lack of clarity that may be making what appears to be a misunderstanding much worse.

What's Your Opinion?

Should a company ever have the right to remotely block software it believes to be unauthorized, even if it wasn't them who produced it? Could Microsoft be more clear about exactly what it can and can't do (both legally and practically) to a Windows 10 device? Or is this simply a case of 'Microsoft-bashers' looking for something to complain about?