Should Microsoft Brick PCs in Russia?

Question

I was thinking that if Microsoft pushed a critical update containing a secret dead man switch to Russian endpoints they could then revoke all software licenses in Russia and brick them remotely. Thoughts?It doesn't seem fair that Microsoft should allow them to actively subvert licensing going forward.

selfhoster11 · Accepted Answer

With all due respect, this is an insane proposition. Substitute "Microsoft" with "the Linux kernel", and see how you like the idea.No, a general purpose OS should never damage itself on purpose.

simonblack · Answer

That would be a good way to reduce Microsoft's prestige in 7/8ths of the World. Definitely a good idea, I say.'The West' is not 'The World'. The West is only one-eighth of the World. Just India and China's population are three times the size of the whole of the West.

emptyparadise · Answer

Honestly, this is an insane proposition even in the context of the Russia-Ukraine war, but it's outright bizarre to see it presented as some EULA compliance measure.

dvlat · Answer

a) it will help noone (piracy), however Microsoft as a vendor will no longer be trusted by many countries
b) this will be a middle finger to retail users, not large companies and government who are more likely to test updates before installing them
c) I find it interesting that many Silicon Valley companies took investments from DST (=Usmanov =Putin). Putin and his friends directly benefit from those companies, but I see noone asking Apple to brick laptops for engineers of those companies. Should we ask those at least donate to humanitarian efforts? I've submitted a question (poorly worded perhaps) and it was flagged almost instantly.

Should Microsoft Brick PCs in Russia?

With all due respect, this is an insane proposition. Substitute "Microsoft" with "the Linux kernel", and see how you like the idea.
No, a general purpose OS should never damage itself on purpose.

That would be a good way to reduce Microsoft's prestige in 7/8ths of the World. Definitely a good idea, I say.
'The West' is not 'The World'. The West is only one-eighth of the World. Just India and China's population are three times the size of the whole of the West.

Honestly, this is an insane proposition even in the context of the Russia-Ukraine war, but it's outright bizarre to see it presented as some EULA compliance measure.