Microsoft compensates blocked Dutch web firm | The Register

Kind of hard to claim ignorance when you’re talking about a “leading competitor”, eh, Bill? Of course, in defense of M$ (gasp!), the program doesn’t remove anything without asking first. Don’t these folks know what’s installed on their own computers? Or is Ilse merely a less-obnoxious spyware installer?

Microsoft is to compensate Dutch web company Ilse Media because its AntiSpyware software blocked one of Ilse’s portals, Startpagina (“Startpage”).

Not too long ago Microsoft released a beta version of its anti spy software, which offers the choice of signing up for real-time protection. Windows AntiSpyware can monitor the PC and warns when unwanted software is installed.

Apparently, it also blocked Startpagina, one of the most popular directory pages in the Netherlands. Internet users that wanted to select Startpagina as their home page, were forced to use MSN.com instead.

Then there’s this…

Although only a dozen internet users must have used Microsoft’s software, Ilse threatened Microsoft with legal action.

Do you suppose El Reg meant to say only a dozen Ilse customers? If not, I’m in rare company!