Russia Uses Microsoft to Suppress Dissent

One of the authorities’ new tactics for quelling dissent in Russia is confiscating computers under the pretext of searching for pirated Microsoft software.

Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/12/world/europe/12raids.html

authorities are receiving key assistance from an unexpected partner: Microsoft itself. In politically tinged inquiries across Russia, lawyers retained by Microsoft have staunchly backed the police.