Anti-XP forces to renew attacks

Renewing their attacks on Microsoft, privacy and consumer groups will release a new open letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) today [Tuesday] reiterating their concerns over the unfair collection of personal information in Windows XP.

The letter, which pigeonholes many recent security breaches in Microsoft's operations, urges the FTC, which it says has a statutory obligation to protect consumer interests, to order Microsoft to make changes to its practices, according to EPIC and Junkbusters.com.

The groups advise consumers not to believe Microsoft's statements that their personal information will be kept secure. They also warn consumers not to give in to Windows XP's repeated attempts to extract personal details.

Earlier this year, nearly 15 privacy and consumer groups amended a complaint filed with the FTC charging that Microsoft, by offering Passport and associated services, is engaging in unfair and deceptive trade practices in violation of the FTC Act.

The privacy groups questioned whether Passport collects too much information and lacks the basic security features required to protect basic details.

Jason Catlett, president of Junkbusters.com, said changes Microsoft made to Passport were "completely nonresponsive."

The group alleges that Microsoft's decision to reduce the amount of information it collects when people sign up for a Passport account is inadequate because an email address, country, state and Zip code are required.