Microsoft has taken an important step toward fighting software piracy with the help of Windows Genuine Advantage tool, but the reaction they got from Chinese users was far from being an approving one. The users complained about Microsoft being intrusive, having control over the users’ computers.

The tool turns the computer screen dark, if the software installed doesn’t pass a validation test first. According to Microsoft, the purpose of the Windows Genuine Advantage is to help users make sure their software is genuine, and was not intended to violate user rights.

One the one hand, this is just another step in the anti-piracy fight led by Microsoft in countries around the world. According to the company, over one third of PCs worldwide contain unlicensed software, which in 2007 accounted for a global economic loss of $50 billion.

On the other hand, Chinese users, in addition to complaining of intrusion, also attempted to highlight one very important aspect of using licensed software: in many countries across the world, the genuine software is way to expensive, and the only alternative users have is to use pirated versions of it.

The Chinese users said Microsoft’s position regarding pirated software is understandable, but in their opinion, the company should also take into consideration the needs and possibilities of users.

But according to Microsoft, the tool is meant to decrease criminal activities, which stand in the way of intellectual property and innovation. Furthermore, the tool can help users verify the authenticity of the purchased software. The company also initiated price cuts on emerging markets, as to discourage piracy.

“Software piracy and counterfeiting is a sophisticated, global trade with a damaging impact on consumers, businesses and economies, and Microsoft is committed to working with others around the world to stay a step ahead of this illegal industry,” said David Finn, associate general counsel for Worldwide Anti-Piracy and Anti-Counterfeiting at Microsoft.