Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Chinese Government Raids Microsoft Offices

Well, what do you call a surprise visit by government officials in four cities at once after hours?
(Reuters) - Chinese government officials made sudden visits toMicrosoft Corp's China offices, a Microsoft spokeswoman said on Monday, but declined to give a reason.
Sounds like a raid.  She may have declined to give a reason, but rules reveal weaknesses:
"We aim to build products that deliver the features, security and reliability customers expect and we're happy to answer the government's questions," the spokeswoman said in an e-mailed statement, declining to give further information.
That must be some new Microsoft policy, since the entire world has been long waiting for Microsoft to deliver features, security and reliability.

I think of the tens of millions, if not hundreds of millions, USA taxpayers had to fork over to "protect Microsoft intellectual property" in China and "export promotion."  Money if fungible.  What Gates did not have to spend himself, he got to keep.

On the other hand, if he was actually picking up the tab, he likely would have nixed the expense.

Update:  Vice of ChiCom is reporting details:
The State Administration for Industry and Commerce is accusing Microsoft of failing to fully disclose anti-competition information about its Windows operating system and Microsoft Office application.
If one recalls, charged similarly by the Clinton Admin, Gates et al signed a "consent decree" which said no one in the world can ever again get rich the way Bill Gates did.  The inexpressibly craven people who populate the Justice Department, and Judge Penfield Jackson crafted this sinecure for Gates et al.

Now, although the USA Justice Department believes it rules the world, the Chinese may beg to differ.  They may look at the same facts and decide to handle this at variance from the decision of Judge Jackson.  They may feel a little competition is welcome.

The problem with Microsoft was (since it is over now anyway) the unlimited credit to finance a timewaste for the credit-based massive increase in State activity from Reagan on...  Will the ChiComs go another route, abjuring Total Information Awareness that requires built-in spying and monopoly OS?

I hope China continues ot opt for freedom and free markets.

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