Microsoft Launches Anti-Piracy Program in Russia

On December 9, 2009, Microsoft Corporation launched a new program in Russia to protect Internet users against pirated software.

The Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) tool, which notifies customers that their system is not genuine, is to be supplied to several million Russian Internet users over the next few months.

The new program aims to reduce the number of pirated software on the market, raise awareness among Russian population and encourage them to make a conscious decision to switch to licensed software.

Microsoft loses about four billion dollars annually due to sales of pirate copies in Russia. About 60 percent of Russian users buy unlicensed software, with intention or by mistake.

The installation of WGA is optional. While validating, WGA collects no data to identify or contact user.

For more information, please contact Jelena Jankovic at our Balkan Regional Office.

Source: Vostok Media