Tim Wang's eLearning Blog

Microsoft launched the WGA (Windows Genuine Advantage) and OGA (Office Genuine Advantage) tools this month to examine the legitimacy of the MS Windows and MS Office software on all PCs in China. Those who failed the tests would see a black desktop on their Windows background or a permanent warning message of pirated Office software. This is yet the most harsh action taken by the software giant against software piracy in China.

Although the company repeated it would not collect personal information with the tools, which would not affect computer use, controversy over the move has escalated. Many Chinese users have questioned the legality of Microsoft's move. A question on many Chinese consumers' mind: Does Microsoft have the right to penalize pirated systems by intruding the system without permission of the computer owner? There have been several law suits filed against Microsoft based on their WGA and OGA movement in China since October 20th. I personally do think the act has breached the basic ethics of software manufacturers with the unsolicited remote control of computers. I don't believe any software companies would dare to this kind of "certification based penalization" here in Canada or US. In the meanwhile, I do support software developers to take legitimate legal actions against piracy.