Microsoft Saves the Day
I grew up as a practicing member of the Cult of the Mac. As such, Microsoft was clearly of the Forces of Darkness.
They’re redeeming themselves now. Russia famously used illegal pirated software as an excuse to kick the doors in and shutter NGOs that were doing annoying things like advocating for universal human rights.
The BSA was doubtless salivating at implementing that stateside, but Microsoft, scenting a PR nightmare, instantly offered a blanket license for international non-profits.
It was a bit vague. To their infinite credit, MS has continued working through it and now are expanding and systematizing the program. I don’t expect that the FSB will now shrug, throw up their hands, and leave the NGOs alone, but at least it removes one method for their strangulation of civil society.
Microsoft’s move is a nod to reality. When I suggest open-source software solutions in international settings, the common sentiment is “We already have free software. It’s called Windows and MS Office.” Piracy is rampant to the point of ubiquity.
The prodigious piracy problem has very serious cybersecurity implications. It’s hard enough to get people to keep their operating systems and software patched generally. If your software is not legit, you’re that much less likely to be interested in – and sometimes capable of – keeping it up to date.
