Microsoft to Probe Piracy Efforts After Abuse Reports

Microsoft, the world's biggest software maker, will investigate a report that efforts to combat piracy of its programs in Russia resulted in the harassment of nongovernmental agencies. "We unequivocally abhor any attempt to leverage intellectual property rights to stifle political advocacy or pursue improper personal gain," Microsoft General Counsel Brad Smith wrote today in a blog post. The company will hire an independent international law firm to conduct an investigation and advise on new measures the company should take, he said. Microsoft will take more steps to ensure that NGOs and other groups that act as public advocates aren't mistreated amid anti-piracy efforts, Smith said. On Sept. 11, the New York Times reported that Russian security services monitored "outspoken advocacy groups" and seized their computers, claiming the groups were using pirated Microsoft software.