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Microsoft writes a law for Oklahoma

dvorak.org — Microsoft writes a law for Oklahoma giving it the right to inspect your hard drive, delete your files and applications, and call the police if it finds anything “illegal”… is your state next?

Who dugg this? Made popular Apr 12, 2006

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144 Comments

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  • brhad56, on 10/12/2007, -1/+34Do you have anything illegal in you house? No? Ok.. Guess you won't mind us showing up every morning at 3:00am to verify.
  • chad78, on 10/12/2007, -2/+29Looks like Jerry Taylor won't have to worry about some pirate hackers from CentOS putting their software on his city's website, since Microsoft will now be able to report the illegal software to the FBI for him. Now he can rest easy and use his 22 years of computer experience on more important things - like cussing out those young punk kid freaks who play that Rock And Roll music too loud on their fancy FM radios. (Tuttle is in Oklahoma, just in case you forgot.)
  • vokiel, on 10/12/2007, -3/+28The -digg are coming because the post doesn't add or help any discussion with the current thread. If you see old news, you should use the option "old news" in the drop down below the story header and avoid cluttering the thread with "old news" spam.

    Thanks
  • JackDoyle, on 10/12/2007, -3/+26benlevon, you are wrong. Privacy is a right for EVERYONE unless there is probable cause that suggests that the person has done something illegal.
  • bieber, on 10/12/2007, -1/+21Benlevon, do you realize that Communist Russia had some of the most restrictive copyright laws in all history? Copyright laws are a VERY communist idea, in reality. It's government intervention in what would otherwise be a completely natural activity, which has allowed the adoption of a business model that is both inneficient (guess how much most artists make in royalties) and ripe with potential for abuse. Yep. Who's the communist now?

    You see, information is nothing like physical property, because it can be copied without expenditure of resources, and shared without having to prevent other people from using it. Or at least, it _can_ be shared that way, if the government doesn't forbid it...

    And since you seem so concerned about my contributions to society, I'll have you know that I write free software. But rather than restrict my creations using copyright, I allow them to be freely distributed and enjoyed. I'd be willing to wager that I've contributed more to society as a whole than you have, and yet I'm not the one bitching that I don't get paid every time someone uses it.
  • JackDoyle, on 10/12/2007, -0/+17I don't think you can be required to give up your fourth amendment rights to do business with a company, which is effectively what you are doing if this law passes.

    Thank you for buying this copy of Microsoft Windows. Now that you have opened it, it may not be returned. Would you like to completely give up your fourth amendment constitutional rights and install this software?
  • t3hX, on 10/12/2007, -4/+21Trust Microsoft to do that. Or is Dvorak smoking crack again?
  • BrokenClock, on 10/12/2007, -8/+22Apple is in on it too.
  • bbene, on 10/12/2007, -7/+20If it were true it would be yet another reason to use linux.
  • twmsdude, on 10/12/2007, -2/+14Is it me or is this a violation of privacy? Just when things for microsoft were starting to look good in my head...THEY SCREW IT UP!
  • sigmaman2, on 10/12/2007, -1/+12All of you "You-have-something-to-hide" guys are missing the point. You are confusing privacy with secrecy.

    A terrorist will want to make plans in secret, because he fears discovery of his illegal activities.

    I want to write my letters and conduct my personal affairs in private, because they are nobody's business but my own.

    Here's the distinction more clearly. When you go to the bathroom, do you do it SECRETLY, or PRIVATELY?
  • inactive, on 10/12/2007, -6/+17Hardly seems like a big deal. This is America. This is an American company writing an American law. If you lobby enough and provide enough money to grease the right wheels, you can write any law you want. It's the Ameican way. If you had enough money to hire lobbiests, meet with politicians and pay them off, you could write laws too. *shrug*

    People are acting like this is shocking. Like this isn't how American politics work. Naive.
  • dime, on 10/12/2007, -3/+14
    If you define "computer" as "some chicken wire and toggle switches soldered together and powered by a 1975 Deuce and Quarter engine", then yes, they do.
  • fubar109, on 10/12/2007, -5/+14Oklahoma has computers?
  • 4answer2, on 10/12/2007, -4/+13The politicians that have or will be voting on this probably didn't even read it.

    Just like the so called Patriot Act...
  • dime, on 10/12/2007, -7/+16

    Amen, Der Fuhrer.


  • bieber, on 10/12/2007, -1/+10Don't you love how we in America now like to equate sharing with neigbor with assaulting a ship, and rant about how it "harms our country." Just imagine, all those people out there cooperating freely with each other. God forbid!

    And yes, illegal activity needs to be stopped, but the best way to find people trading kiddy porn or plotting terrorist incidents is NOT to look through everyone's hard drives. In fact, that's a massively inneficient method. If you're seriously concerned about that thing, then you scan public internet traffic (which Echelon does).
  • celerate, on 10/12/2007, -0/+9@Arramol
    There is such a group already, it's called the Electronic Frontier Foundation ( http://www.eff.org ).
  • eddieroger, on 10/12/2007, -1/+9Why on earth would replies to this be -dugg? We do have the right to privacy on our machines just as we do (or used to) on our phones and in our houses. Just because I'm not doing anything wrong on my machine doesn't mean I want Big Brother reading my emails. I have the right to assume that unless I expressly send packes from my machine out, then they stay on here.

    Unfortunately, people who do wish harm on America have rights, but those rights are lost once they act. Thinking isn't a crime, and having files on one's computer isn't either. I'm pretty sure the innocent people of the world would say that we don't have privacy on our governmental machines when we plan on attacking their countries, which is the logic you applied.

    And I don't hate America, I just enjoy my rights. Whe privacy is outlawed, only outlaws have privacy.
  • Zabbawack, on 10/12/2007, -0/+8Ok i copied all thier emails into a neat little list, I live in Oklahoma (i guess thats why i care so much)

    dennisadkins@okhouse.gov, donarmes@okhouse.gov, jariaskins@okhouse.gov, johnauffet@okhouse.gov, balkman@okhouse.gov, garybanz@okhouse.gov, chrisbenge@okhouse.gov, lisajbilly@okhouse.gov, brianbingman@okhouse.gov, debbieblackburn@okhouse.gov, gusblackwell@okhouse.gov, davidbraddock@okhouse.gov, neilbrannon@okhouse.gov, mikebrown@okhouse.gov, kevincalvey@okhouse.gov, johncarey@okhouse.gov, lancecargill@okhouse.gov, billcase@okhouse.gov, anncoody@okhouse.gov, mariancooksey@okhouse.gov, jamescovey@okhouse.gov, dougcox@okhouse.gov, odiliadank@okhouse.gov, leedenney@okhouse.gov, daledepue@okhouse.gov, abedeutschendorf@okhouse.gov, daledewitt@okhouse.gov, joedorman@okhouse.gov, rexduncan@okhouse.gov, joeeddins@okhouse.gov, jerryellis@okhouse.gov, darrellgilbert@okhouse.gov, larryglenn@okhouse.gov, rebeccahamilton@okhouse.gov, terryharrison@okhouse.gov, chrishastings@okhouse.gov, jwhickman@okhouse.gov, toddhiett@okhouse.gov, weshilliard@okhouse.gov, terryhyman@okhouse.gov, terryingmire@okhouse.gov, mikejackson@okhouse.gov, shanejett@okhouse.gov, robjohnson@okhouse.gov, tadjones@okhouse.gov, sallykern@okhouse.gov, kiesel@okhouse.gov, luckylamons@okhouse.gov, guyliebmann@okhouse.gov, allindley@okhouse.gov, markliotta@okhouse.gov, stevemartin@okhouse.gov, mikemass@okhouse.gov, mccarter@okhouse.gov, jeanniemcdaniel@okhouse.gov, ryanmcmullen@okhouse.gov, jerrymcpeak@okhouse.gov, raymiller@okhouse.gov, dougmiller@okhouse.gov, kenmiller@okhouse.gov, dannymorgan@okhouse.gov, fredmorgan@okhouse.gov, richardmorrissette@okhouse.gov, johnnance@okhouse.gov, billnations@okhouse.gov, jimnewport@okhouse.gov, fredperry@okhouse.gov, ronpeters@okhouse.gov, pampeterson@okhouse.gov, ronpeterson@okhouse.gov, gregpiatt@okhouse.gov, bobplunk@okhouse.gov, rcpruett@okhouse.gov, mikereynolds@okhouse.gov, philrichardson@okhouse.gov, paulroan@okhouse.gov, roggow@okhouse.gov, waderousselot@okhouse.gov, mikeshelton@okhouse.gov, bensherrer@okhouse.gov, jerryshoemake@okhouse.gov, jabarshumate@okhouse.gov, johnsmaligo@okhouse.gov, glensmithson@okhouse.gov, barbarastaggs@okhouse.gov, krissteele@okhouse.gov, danielsullivan@okhouse.gov, joesweeden@okhouse.gov, randyterrill@okhouse.gov, mikethompson@okhouse.gov, suetibbs@okhouse.gov, opiotoure@okhouse.gov, johntrebilcock@okhouse.gov, daleturner@okhouse.gov, purcywalker@okhouse.gov, paulwesselhoft@okhouse.gov, wiltmi@lsb.state.ok.us, susanwinchester@okhouse.gov, treborworthen@okhouse.gov, johnwright@okhouse.gov, rayyoung@okhouse.gov
  • st0ney, on 10/12/2007, -0/+8Yep. Of course this is speculation that they don't read the bills but it sure seems that way sometimes. The naming on these bills is crucial.
  • inactive, on 10/12/2007, -0/+8Too bad there are no warez versions of Mavis Beacon Teaches English and Grammar.
  • fooka, on 10/12/2007, -0/+7oh yea? check out http://transgaming.org/gamesdb/
  • Godel, on 10/12/2007, -3/+10Apple would be able to do the same things, the law doesn't apply exclusively to Microsoft.
  • rderveloy, on 10/12/2007, -3/+1022 years of computer experience doesn't count if the latest computer you've used is 22 years old.

    Here's a question, would the world miss Oklahoma if it were to just dissappear or float off into space?
  • kenz0r, on 10/12/2007, -1/+7or Mac OS X
  • inactive, on 10/12/2007, -0/+6Dallas welcomes you. Just remember to drive fast, work hard, and try not to spit chewing tobacco out the window. Oh, and enjoy the 10 ping to your favorite gaming servers courtesy of The Planet.
  • av4rice, on 10/12/2007, -1/+7"If you click that “accept” button on the routine user’s agreement, the proposed law would allow any company from whom you bought upgradable software the freedom to come onto your computer for “detection or prevention of the unauthorized use"

    Here's an easy fix:
    Pirates just remove the user agreement from their releases. People who use the pirated version therefore never agree to have their comp searched.
  • BrokenClock, on 10/12/2007, -0/+6If you read the article again, you'll find that a Microsoft representative has been sitting in meetings that wrote this proposed bill. This also goes back several years when large tech companies were asked to brainstorm for ideas on providing better security.
  • st0ney, on 10/12/2007, -2/+8WTF does this have to do with terrorists. You are way off topic.
  • rderveloy, on 10/12/2007, -0/+5The problem with this law is that it's a huge conflict of interest. What is legal today could be illegal tomorrow.

    For example, Microsoft could, theoretically, make it a violation of it's EULA to install Linux on your computer if you have windows installed on it. If you install a dual-boot Linux/Windows system, this would be a violation of the EULA, and therefore it would be illegal for you to have Windows installed on your computer.

    Microsoft then inspects you computer during a "system update" and reports you to your local prosecutor. The next thing you know, you're behind bars hoping you don't drop the soap when you shower.
  • fooka, on 10/12/2007, -1/+6this is a big long list of replies for such an obvious troll.. i applaud you benlevon for so successfully passing off your myopic trollery as a for real opinion..

    Can it really be possible that the world thinks there are Americans who are really so ignorant and hold such views seriously? That's rich!

    and for people who still take this guy seriously: YHBT, HAND
  • snowbooch, on 10/12/2007, -9/+14(( looks down at powerbook and smiles ))
  • eddieroger, on 10/12/2007, -1/+6Microsoft watching computer habits isn't new. Try this: download a real firewall like Sygate (even a trial is fine), set it to notify on all packets, fire up Search from the Start Bar, and perform a search on your HD. See that pop up from Sygate? Windows is phoning home with the contents of your search. Now, start Windows Media Player and pop in a DVD. Same little pop up...

    And this has been repeated in a lab setting over a dozen machines. Very much verified.
  • eddieroger, on 10/12/2007, -0/+5Where in Apple's EULA does it say that they will collect data and watch your system? Here's Microsoft's XP Pro EULA:

    "You agree that Microsoft and its affiliates may collect and use technical information gathered in any manner as part of the product support services provided to you, if any, related to the Product."
  • largobargo, on 10/12/2007, -6/+11Has bill gates given you a pearl necklace yet?
  • mistshadow2k4, on 10/12/2007, -1/+6You don't mind giving up your privacy?

    What? You have curtains on your windows?! You send mail in envelopes instead of postcards?! Why? After all, if you're not doing anything illegal, what do you have to worry about? Man, I frigging dare you to try to live for even two months with no regard to your privacy. See how you like it. Since that's what you advocate for everyone, I'd like to see you forced to do so but that would be illegal, wouldn't it? But unfortunately it is legal for a fool like you to advocate that the rest of us lose our rights to privacy.

    When the day comes that your right to privacy has been taken away you'll find out exactly what kind of hell you helped to create. And you'll be suffering just as bad as everyone else -- being a goody-two-shoes now won't help when simply being alive makes you a suspect for every crime under the sun.

    And frankly, why should MS have the right to search your hard drive anyway? I can almost understand a fascist like you approving of a government doing so, but why a corporation? Do you actually want Microsoft to have the power to act as police? They're effectively dictating a law to the US government here! How can anyone be so stupid as to want a corporation dictating law to any government?
  • Arramol, on 10/12/2007, -1/+5Maybe Digg should put together a political action committee and start lobbying for privacy and Fair Use rights.
  • rderveloy, on 10/12/2007, -5/+9Why did you guys bury his comment? He could be in a US territory that doesn't have state status.
  • Zabbawack, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4Member list of Oklahoma House of Rep. with E-mails

    http://www.okhouse.gov/Members/MemberListing.aspx
  • Zabbawack, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4Maybe digg users should e-mail Representatives from Oklahoma and say VOTE NO on bill 2083

    http://www.house.gov/istook/contact/
  • mistshadow2k4, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4This is what you get for supporting Microsoft by buying their products. If people supported *nix with that kind of money it would be so far ahead in terms of usability and compatibility that using XP would be like using Windows 3.1 by comparison. Instead you support Microsoft and this is what they do to you. MS and AT&T are the companies who are the most against their own customers in the world. It's a lot like paying thugs to beat you.
  • miketrin, on 10/12/2007, -6/+10"who cares unless you have something to hide"

    lol funny american
  • MrTea, on 10/12/2007, -5/+9I bet this has to do with the CentOS incident
  • TheTyrant63, on 10/12/2007, -0/+4The problem with this bill is not whether the user is doing something illegal or not. It is how this is implimented. We all know that Microsoft riddles their software with holes and stuff for hackers. What if some one found a whole in the program they use to scan your HD with? So this sounds like more of a security risk then it does as a protection against it.
  • BobbyOnions, on 10/12/2007, -16/+20I don't live in a "state". Should I be concerned?
  • darkecho, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3probably ... makes you wonder how long Sony had there software into windows before someone actually found it.. they are Microsoft the makers of Windows, they can put whatever they want in it..
  • bieber, on 10/12/2007, -1/+4And you clearly don't understand that you're only stealing if you're depriving someone of something. Making a copy of an MP3 for a friend doesn't prevent you from listening to the song, or the person who recorded the song from listening to it.

    And in case you wondering, I don't have any illegal content on my computer. I may hate the laws, but I respect them. I pay for music and movies, and I don't use proprietary software (and I pay for sizable amounts of free software).

    As for the "AGREE" thing, you have to AGREE if you want to use any of their products. Which I don't...
  • PonchoHobono, on 10/12/2007, -0/+3That's a pretty ignorant comment don't you think rderveloy?
  • compu73rg33k, on 10/12/2007, -7/+10When has Microsoft looked good to you?!?
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