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One In Two Consumers Concerned About Data Loss Or ID Theft
Published Dec 14, 2010
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Microsoft released the results of a broad consumer survey recently, which asked more than 38,000 men and women in 20 countries around the world about their perceptions of counterfeit software. The results provide some of the clearest evidence yet that people worldwide see real danger in using it. By a three-to-one margin, consumers agreed that it is not safe to use as genuine software. Data loss and ID theft are among their concerns. There was also resounding support for government and industry to take action against counterfeiters.
Each year, Microsoft holds a Consumer Action Day to call attention to the problem of software counterfeiting around the globe. This year’s events were held across Microsoft subsidiaries to highlight new technologies to stop counterfeiting, educational activities and resources to help consumers protect themselves, and Microsoft’s support of governments as they seek to enforce the laws in their countries.
“Consumers everywhere are coming to us with complaints about counterfeit software,” said Microsoft’s Dale Waterman, Corporate Attorney for Anti-Piracy for the Middle East and Africa, who is based in Dubai. “They’re asking what they can do to protect themselves. They want facts. And they want industry and government to stand up and take action. Our commitment is to do everything we can to help them.”
According to the data released today, 70 percent of consumers polled worldwide said they believe genuine software is more secure, more stable and is easier to keep up-to-date.
But the presence of high-quality fakes in the market today makes distinguishing counterfeit from genuine a continuing challenge for consumers. The majority of those polled say they would choose genuine software given the choice, but less than half believed consumers in general could spot counterfeit software if they had to.
Mr. Waterman added that Microsoft, in partnership with local law enforcement agencies, was actively working to protect local consumers from the threats of counterfeit product. “There have recently been raids by local authorities on 3 resellers in Dubai who were selling high quality counterfeit Microsoft software. Because the counterfeit is sourced from abroad, particularly China, we have also just participated in the Dubai Custom IPR Workshop, an annual workshop to update the enforcement task force about the latest techniques in combating software counterfeiting and help them tackle transnational organized IP crime.”
Viju Thomas, a Dubai-based consumer this week submitted a copy of this high quality counterfeit software to Microsoft for examination after initially contacting Microsoft through their Anti-Piracy Hotline and being informed that he had unintentionally purchased counterfeit software. “I purchased a copy of Windows XP from a shop in Dubai for AED 625. I installed it on my computer and now a message is telling me it is not genuine. It came with a hologram CD, a license and was shrink-wrapped as a complete package that looked just like the real thing. The package is counterfeit. I was deceived by this shop.”
Comments like these are not uncommon. “Every time I try to update Windows media player, it says I may be a victim of counterfeit software and doesn't allow me to use the Windows media player,” another customer from the UAE reported to Microsoft.
While consumers are increasingly doing their part by reporting counterfeit software, they are also looking to government and industry to curb the problem. Sixty-five percent of respondents called on government to act, and 72 percent agreed that the software industry itself should be doing more. Seventy-five percent agree that consumers need ways to protect themselves from inadvertently buying counterfeit software.
“As part of efforts to promote awareness about the intellectual property rights in the UAE, Microsoft has been coordinating with concerned parties to organize various initiatives such as the round table in late November where several judges, public prosecutors, and representatives of other related authorities come together to discuss how to protect IPR taking into account the country-specific cases and the best practices they can follow. This also complements efforts to train enforcement teams for federal and local government agencies,” said Dr. Mahmoud Mohamed Al Kamali, General Manager, UAE Institute of Training and Judicial Studies.
“The results of this survey show that there is still a real need for the software industry and government to educate consumers about counterfeit software,” said Jawad Al Redha, Chair, Gulf Region, of the international software trade organization Business Software Alliance. “Consumers don’t want counterfeit software. They know it’s harmful, and in fact, it’s hurting people everywhere. But they need to be made aware about the security and privacy risks they face when they use counterfeit software."
Microsoft recommends that consumers check to see whether their software passes the Windows validation test whenever they purchase online, in stores or software pre-loaded with computers.
About Microsoft:
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
For more information:
Microsoft Gulf
Address: P.O. Box 52244
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
T: (+971-4) 391-7000
F: (+971-4) 391-7001
W: www.microsoft.com/middleeast
W: www.microsoft.com/middleeast/press
Orient Planet PR & Marketing Communications :
Tel: +971 43988901
Fax: +971 43988941
P.O. Box 23345, Dubai, UAE
Email: media@orientplanet.com
Website: www.orientplanet.com
Posted by
VMD - [Virtual Marketing Department]
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