Will Microsoft Ban Messenger in Pakistan Too?
By Sumaira Bajwa • May 25th, 2009 • Category: Technology • 3 CommentsWell, the software giant of the universe has followed the footprints of yet another giant Oracle in banning it’s software to be used in US-specified so-called rogue countries: Iran, Cuba, North Korea, Sudan and Syria.
According to ZDNET, Microsoft is confirming that it is cutting off Windows Live Messenger service for users in five countries that are “subject to United States sanctions.”
As reported first by LiveSide.net earlier this week, “users in Cuba, Syria, Iran, Sudan and North Korea can no longer IM with Windows Live Messenger.”
A Microsoft spokesperson confirmed the move on May 21:
“I can confirm the report on LiveSide is correct. Microsoft has discontinued providing Instant Messenger services in certain countries subject to United States sanctions. Details of these sanctions are available from the United States Office of Foreign Assets Control.”
Microsoft isn’t providing additional information beyond that statement. According to the Treasury Web site, the reasons for the political sanctions vary from country to country, and encompass everything from not “trading with the enemy” to trying to discourage terrorists and human-rights violators. Many of these sanctions date back eight years. So it’s unclear why Microsoft just this week removed the access of users in these countries….
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Interested in blogging about Technology, but sometimes I digress.
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This is strange really! A tech company taking decisions like these on pure political grounds
all software exports to Pak should be banned. Everyone must go to a madarasa and study how to become suicide bombers
Yea and Philip should be their first victim right?