Windows 10: Microsoft wants to really block the pirated games? – Clubic

The conditions of use of the services associated with Windows 10 suggest that Microsoft reserves the right to block counterfeit video games. This discovery has created a new controversy that has not yet maybe instead of being …

Windows could it one day block itself counterfeit software? The controversy raged since the discovery via Alphr, of a mention on pirated video games in Microsoft Services for conditions of use. They cover some of the features associated with Microsoft accounts, Skype Outlook via the voice assistant Cortana, the Windows Store or Xbox platform.

What really saying these conditions came into effect on August 1st, as most people in validating read? The offending passage is as follows:

“ We may automatically check the version of software that you use in order to continue to provide the services, and can download software updates or modifications configuration without charge you to upgrade, improve and expand the services, including those that may block your access to the Services or prevent your use of counterfeit games or unauthorized terminals ” .

At first glance, Microsoft reserves the right to require the installation of an update that can block access to certain services, but also to prevent use a counterfeit video game, which implies that the publisher could have tools able to detect software in question. To the extent that the default settings of Windows 10 already raised questions about the respect of the privacy of the end user, the controversy has grown rapidly on the Web.
These Terms of Use however, are not specifically related to Windows 10. The point under debate here is also nothing new: we find for example in the conditions of use of the Xbox console dated July 2014, in a formulation different:

“ We can, among other things: (i) restrict or limit access to services (…) by automatically uploading related software directly to your Authorized Device, including software that prevents you from access to the Services, playing pirated games or using prohibited devices . “

In fact, Microsoft does not specifically blocks counterfeit Xbox games, but it s’ however arranged so that the bracket resists as firmly as possible to hacking attempts, so as to preserve the associated ecosystem. Common among console manufacturers, the practice is accepted in the world of mobility. Apple and its fight against the jailbreak tools , that can unlock access to the system and install unofficial applications or pirated), testifies to each new update iOS .

As an independent operating system and the hardware used third party software installed, Windows hitherto escaped this pattern. With Windows 10, Microsoft takes a different path, however: its main online services are integrated within the system, which itself is intended to be integrated with specific hardware environments, mobile phones and consoles

.

From an economic standpoint, the Windows layer tends to fade to better serve the interests of neighboring layers, whether a Hardware Microsoft or services Online developed by the publisher. The availability of Windows 10 as a free update, and concerns arising from default established communication between a Windows PC and Microsoft’s servers, further reinforce this impression. It remains to be seen whether this dilution will even radically change the use that can actually be made of the system and software selected by the end user.

SecuROM and SafeDisc: DRM non grata on Windows 10

Unrelated to the conditions of use of Windows 10, Microsoft recently announced that games protected by locks SecuROM and SafeDisc digital would not be supported by Windows 10. No ethical consideration here: a spokesman questioned micro Rocket Beans explained that this decision was motivated by the risk that these were running at the DRM General Security System

That nostalgic in tow. more of the flagship titles they leave protected by one of these two have since been republished DRM or updated without their digital lock (eg Bioshock).