Microsoft takes aim at SA pirates
Microsoft is celebrating worldwide ‘Consumer Action Day’ – a drive across 70 countries to protect consumers and increase awareness of the risks of counterfeit software – by taking aim at local software pirates.
Locally the day is being marked locally by ‘mystery shopper’ visits to almost 400 computer dealers across the country, the launch of a ‘clean dealer’ certification and training for partners, and a series of ‘knock and talk’ visits to resellers who have been caught selling bogus software to unsuspecting consumers.
Microsoft South Africa’s managing director, Mteto Nyati, says the company supports the seizing of hundreds of counterfeit Xbox games by Customs officials after a recent raid on the Brightwater Commons market.
The campaign has also driven investigations into resellers. In Stanger, KwaZulu-Natal, someone was selling copies of Windows 7 Ultimate for R130 on an online auction site – a whopping R3 000 below the average selling price. In November, another six resellers were subject to civil action, two of which signed settlement agreements with Microsoft.
“The risk of viruses hidden in fake software is a growing problem – especially given that 36% of all software in South Africa is used illegally. Victims risk losing personal information, having their identities stolen, and wasting valuable time and money,” explained Nyati.
The Internet is emerging as a major avenue of trade for fake goods, with auction sites particularly useful for counterfeiters. Through these sites, people not only find themselves without the software they thought they were paying for, they are also unable to source a refund from the dealer, and often need to purchase a genuine product again.
Software piracy in SA – discussion
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