Microsoft can reach out and delete your files and apps in Windows 8

Gregg Keizer at ComputerWorld.com. He accurately caught these quotes from Microsoft in their terms of use at their Windows Store release event.

“In cases where your security is at risk, or where we’re required to do so for legal reasons, you may not be able to run apps or access content that you previously acquired or purchased a license for,” “If the Windows Store, an app, or any content is changed or discontinued, your data could be deleted or you may not be able to retrieve data you have stored,”

Yes folks, you heard right. Microsoft will be able to lean into your PC and:

• revoke access to select apps.
• delete the app entirely.

Apple has the same ability but have chosen not to use that power – probably fearing the backlash from a very vigilant user community. There’s no big drama here and it may make sense but how do you feel about it? A friend of mine said that if he pays money for an application and takes “possession” of the application, the 3rd party (Microsoft) should not be able to go back and affect that transaction in any way. His point is, if it’s bad, don’t let it get through QA. Period. Interesting. What’s your take?]]>