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Empires Fall, the FUD Strikes Back:



Mercury News | 05/07/2002 | Microsoft cites security concerns in arguing against states' proposed penalties



California and eight other states are seeking penalties for Microsoft's antitrust violations that go beyond those in a proposed settlement with the federal government. A key provision in the states' proposal would require Microsoft to disclose technical information to rivals so their software would work seamlessly with Microsoft's Windows operating system.



National security



But Microsoft Vice President Jim Allchin, who heads the company's platforms groups, testified Tuesday that such a requirement could put national security at risk.



Requiring more disclosure "would make it easier for hackers to break into computer networks, for malicious individuals or organizations to spread destructive computer viruses and for unethical people to pirate" Microsoft's Windows software, Allchin said.
Nevermind that crackers already bust into Windows XP without any of the operating system's "security" features released for public scrutiny. As was said:



Under cross-examination, Allchin conceded that hackers had already been able to break into undisclosed security functions for Windows even though technical data such as that being sought by the states wasn't made available.
Oh, the panicked do run about so....

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