Microsoft cuts IM service to five 'hostile' nations
- 25 May, 2009 07:35
- Comments
Microsoft has stopped offering its Windows Live Messenger service to users in five countries that are subject to U.S. sanctions, the company confirmed Friday.
People in Cuba, Syria, Iran, Sudan and North Korea no longer have access to Microsoft's free, Web-based instant-messaging service, Microsoft said via e-mail.
The U.S. considers each of those countries to be hostile or threatening in some way to its national interests. Details of the trade and economic sanctions against them can be viewed at the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control.
Microsoft wouldn't comment on why it chose to shut down the service at this time, or how long people in those countries had been able to access Windows Live Messenger. Microsoft said it does not currently do business with those countries.
The LiveSide.net blog first reported Microsoft's ending its IM service in those countries early last week.
Recommended
Join the CIO Australia group on LinkedIn. The group is open to CIOs, IT Directors, COOs, CTOs and senior IT managers.
- Bookmark this page
- Share this article
- Got more on this story? Email CIO
- Follow CIO on twitter
-
Australia suspected to have PRISM data: Ludlam
-
Australia Post’s mail business to lose $200 million this year
-
Australia Post’s mail business to lose $200 million this year
-
Microsoft's ambivalence about Office on the Web gives Apple shot with iWork on iCloud
-
3 Lessons Learned From a Failed Customer Feedback Test
-
Data Centre Physical Infrastructure: Optimising Business Value
To stay competitive in today’s rapidly changing business world, companies must update the way they view the value of their investment in data centre physical infrastructure (DCPI). This whitepaper discusses how companies can succeed in a changing global market. Read now. -
Process Automation – What the Best CIOs Ask
In the current economic and regulatory environment, there is significant pressure on today’s CIO to not only keep the business running within an allocated budget, but to actively transform a business through the smart deployment of technology. Find out what questions the best CIOs ask and answer when transforming their businesses with process automation. -
Advanced Malware Exposed
This handbook shines a light on the dark corners of advanced malware, both to educate as well as to spark renewed efforts against these stealthy and persistent threats. By understanding the tools being used by criminals, we can better defend our nations, our critical infrastructures and our citizens. This ebook will provide readers with a new understanding of the rapidly developing cyber threat landscape and practical insights into how they can protect their data and computing infrastructures. Download now.
Get exclusive access to Invitation only events CIO, reports & analysis. 
