Microsoft has applied new anti-piracy terms to their user agreement for Windows 10, giving the company the ability to disable pirated games remotely. First spotted by Alphr, clause 7B of the new agreement states the following:

“We may automatically check your version of the software and download software updates or configuration changes, including those that prevent you from accessing the Services, playing counterfeit games, or using unauthorized hardware peripheral devices. You may also be required to update the software to continue using the Services.”

There are several items that must be digested here. The most obvious is that you can be prevented from using pirated video games remotely. Though it doesn’t directly state this information, the agreement only applies to Microsoft published software, so first-party titles headed to Windows 10 that are pirated can be disabled without your knowledge. That’s pretty straight-forward! The more obscure aspect of this text is the “unauthorized peripheral devices”. Could this mean certain controllers will also be unusable? Some peripherals do offer a competitive advantage, so the text can be in regards to those types of items.

Though many have already expressed their discontent about the intrusion of privacy, Microsoft already checks for licensing rights on their games with the Xbox One as is. It makes sense that they would apply the same type of system to their newest OS, which is also set to unify their platforms.

No one is trying to stand on moral high ground to defend those that steal, but checking our private content is not the best way of handling this issue. Privacy should never be compromised, and this isn’t the first time privacy concerns have surfaced with the new OS. Microsoft has yet to comment on the situation.

How are you liking Windows 10? Does this clause bother you? Let us know in the comments section below.

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HT: PC World