Why Microsoft would want WGA to phone home

As the debate over Windows Genuine Advantage rages on, Microsoft is attempting to reign in speculation that the antipiracy tool could be used put an abrupt end to the use of pirated versions of Windows. A spokesperson for the company firmly denied that the tool would be used in such a manner, saying that "No, Microsoft antipiracy technologies cannot and will not turn off your computer." Confusion remains over just what WGA is designed to do.

Dislike for WGA and what it represents has been brewing for years, stemming back to the release days of Windows XP. At that time, Microsoft required new copies of the Windows XP operating system to "activate" over the Internet using Windows Product Activation (WPA), a process that required a user's consent to send identifying information about their computer and OS to the company. While that information was essentially nothing more than an authenticity code coupled with select system specifications, many users were unconformable with the tactic. Still, it was much like a tetanus shot: one quick prick click, and it was over.