Microsoft on Monday has issued a new guideline that can remotely disable pirated games and other applications running under Windows 10. The recent move of the Microsoft can be viewed as an attempt to clamp down piracy in Microsoft desktop computers. The new guideline or provision issued by Microsoft can be found under the End-Users License Agreement (EULA), specifically under Section 7b, a report from Gamespot said.
A related report from PC Gamer noted that under Microsoft's EULA, the section 7b clause of the said Microsoft Service Agreement explicitly states, "We may automatically check your version of the software and download software updates or configuration changes, including those that prevent you from accessing the Services, playing counterfeit games, or using unauthorized hardware peripheral devices. You may also be required to update the software to continue using the Services."
The report noted that the clause was first spotted by a technology website Alphr. It stressed that the software giant Microsoft will be able to scan and detect any counterfeit applications.
Aside from detecting pirated application, Microsoft can also disable hardware that has been reportedly hacked. The Microsoft Services Agreement reportedly covers the Windows 10 operating system, Windows Phone, Xbox 360 and Xbox One. The reported agreement has been published on June 4 but was only implemented on August 1.
Meanwhile, Gamespot noted that Microsoft will further explain the clause as it contains some vague words, specifically the part that says "unauthorised hardware peripheral devices." It noted that the clause will likely target some controllers which may have been modified in order to provide "unfair advantages" in gaming.
Microsoft also stressed that piracy is still prevalent and has continued to plague the PC gaming industry as applications have been heavily shared via torrent sites. The report added that the updated service agreement was intended to crack down illicitly obtained Xbox Live and other Windows Store content.
