Microsoft has learned a new way to counter software piracy as Windows 10 continues to roll out to many computer systems worldwide. The software giant's new End User License Agreement (EULA) sends a strong message to users who would attempt to obtain software in an illegal manner.
Under Section 7b of the license agreement - or "Updates to the Services or Software, and Changes to These Terms", Microsoft made it clear that any counterfeit software found installed on a Windows 10 PC will be remotely disabled without any notice. Therefore, if a user has an "cracked" copy of a certain game or applicaton installed on their computers, Microsoft should be able to sniff them out and disable them if found.
Microsoft also mentions under the same section that it "may automatically check your version of the software and download software update or configuration changes, including those that prevent you from accessing the services, playing counterfeit games, or using non-approved hardware peripherals."
While it is obvious that the revised EULA refers mainly to software piracy, it is not entirley clear why they have included non-approved hardware. Many believe that these are modified hardware that can be used for taking advantage, exploiting, and other criminal activities. However, only Microsoft will be able to elaborate this matter.
A number of game publishers have also learned to apply some old tricks in order to make thair games less enjoyable to those that have obtained them illegally. This includes hiding key features of the game, trolls, as well as algorithms that would mess around with the player's save file. All of which keeps the player from finishing the game.
The war against software piracy continues as Microsoft and developers come up with clever ways by making them less usable if not less enjoyable. While software developers share a common goal in countering piracy, this could mean that the number illegal distribution of games and applications would decrease significantly.
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