Updated Microsoft EULA Allows Firm to Disable Pirated Software - News
by William D'Angelo , posted on 17 August 2015 / 3,465 Views
Microsoft has updated its User End License Agreement to give the company the ability to disable pirated software, including games.
Section 7b of the EULA states the following:
"Sometimes you’ll need software updates to keep using the Services. 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. You may also be required to update the software to continue using the Services. Such updates are subject to these Terms unless other terms accompany the updates, in which case, those other terms apply. Microsoft isn’t obligated to make any updates available and we don’t guarantee that we will support the version of the system for which you licensed the software."
The EULA was updated after Windows 10 launched, but it isn't just tied to the OS; the agreement covers Windows, Xbox Live, Skype, Bing, Office, and the Windows personal assistant Cortana.
Microsoft can update the EULA at any time and users that don't agree to the update must stop using the services and close their Microsoft accounts. Microsoft even has the ability to remove features or shut down access to third party apps, and automatically download and install DRM updates for games, movies, music, or other apps.
Thanks Alphr.
________________________________________________________________________________________
A life-long and avid gamer, William D'Angelo was first introduced to VGChartz in 2007. After years of supporting the site, he was brought on in 2010 as a junior analyst, working his way up to lead analyst in 2012. He has expanded his involvement in the gaming community by producing content on his own YouTube channel and Twitch channel dedicated to gaming Let's Plays and tutorials. You can contact the author at wdangelo@vgchartz.com or on Twitter @TrunksWD.
More Articles
Not a fan of this, Will keep it short to avoid swearing!
reason i didnt get window 10 (never trust MS)
The way I see it is this: if you don't agree with the updated EULA and the provider, in this case Microsoft, doesn't allow you to use the device any longer, you are entitled to full refund and they should send you a prepaid return label so that you can send them back their 'precious'.
I hope someone starts a class action suit because this 'you must agree with whatever ridiculous crap we feel like dumping into our EULA AFTER you purchase our device or else' MUST STOP.
It's hardly unreasonable. "We will attempt to block you from illegally downloading pirated content"
Every company does this. Apple can delete stuff of their OS. Why? So they can protect their investments. The company has more to lose, the pirater doesn't have anything to lose since he never spent money on the software at all.
Okay, you didn't get it.
My point is that, often, companies such as Microsoft or Sony, to name 2, would sell you 'something' and ask you to agree to some EULA before you begin using their product, Then, after a week or a month or a year, they will present you with an 'updated' EULA where they make whatever changes they want such as asking that you agree that they sell you personal data or that they inspect your private files looking for 'contraband' and you either accept the new EULA or you can't use their product any longer.
THIS IS WRONG. If they force a new EULA upon you and you disagree with it they should either agree to let you use their product under the old EULA or, they should take their stupid product back and give you a FULL refund. It's probably illegal to deny you the use of a product you PURCHASED in good faith unless you agree to some arbitrary new terms.
What Microsoft is trying to do in this case is to invade YOUR space and look around while on a fishing expedition for contraband. Someone should sue them.
So your windows 10, snoops on you, and tattels to MS about it.
And MS are now chooseing to go onto your pc and choose to delete things? Jeez.
Pirated things. Any company will set out measures to protect itself and the money it makes. If they use this to delete legitimate things, that's a problem, but if they're deleting illegally downloaded content, well, it's illegal, so they can. People are losing out revenue on you getting it for free.
I guess we complain that we cant just stick blurays into computers and copy the .mov file of them huh?
The pirate clearly wanted enough to download it, if the option of pirating it wasn't there he probably would've bought it, so yes, a potential sale was lost.
Also, when you pirate a game and online works, the developer is paying for your space on their network which costs them, they can't balance the costs because you didn't pay for it.
Basically you're the reason why ios store is full of freeware crap.
How is this different from all their agreements since Windows XP?
Good, If you don't want to pay, you don't deserve to play
Pretty naive thinking if you think this is actually going to affect pirates.
Wanted to update my PC OS but after this no will keep my PC on Windows 7
