Microsoft has received criticism after they admitted to reading the Hotmail inbox of a blogger while investigating a software leak.
The investigation follows an incident where a blogger posted screenshots of code for the unreleased Windows 8 operating system, which were thought to have been leaked by a member of staff. Microsoft accessed the blogger’s emails in order to find the name of the employee, who has since been fired. Although the investigation is legal in the Terms of Service, many have criticised Microsoft for invasion of privacy, especially following the company’s criticism of Google, which scan emails for advertising reasons.
Microsoft explained that ‘this happens only in the most exceptional circumstances,’ but added that in the future Microsoft would consult outside counsel.
