The groups alerted the FTC over its concerns as early as July this year and outlined several privacy implications of the software. Subsequently, in August, the groups claimed that Windows XP is potentially harmful to consumer interests. The groups claim that “Microsoft’s ability to track, profile and monitor the 165 million Passport users has far reaching and profound implications for privacy protection in general and in particular with regard to the growth of electronic commerce.”
The letter to the FTC further alleges that a “series of serious security lapses has occurred involving Passport and the platform on which the service is maintained,” and that these alleged lapses support the groups’ claims that “Microsoft’s guarantees of privacy and security are deceptive and unfair to consumers.”
The groups ask the FTC to take action on their complaint and call for several remedies including an investigation into the information collection practices of Microsoft through Passport and associated services, order Microsoft to review the XP registration process and provide such relief as is necessary to redress any injury to consumers resulting from Microsoft’s practices.