Microsoft China Offices Hit By Government Shakedown Investigation
Big trouble in China? We're not sure, though reports are surfacing that Chinese government officials have been making unannounced visits to Microsoft's offices in China. Microsoft is keeping mum on the visits, and so is China's State Administration for Industry & Commerce, which Chinese media reports had made visits to Microsoft offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu.
According to Reuters, China has been keeping a close eye on Microsoft and its technologies every since former U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) contractor Edward Snowden blew the whistle on a massive and ongoing spying effort.
It's been rough Microsoft in China during the past few months. Back in May, central government offices were prohibited from installing Windows 8 on new computers -- it doesn't appear the ban has been lifted, and it might never be. More recently, Microsoft's OneDrive cloud storage service saw disruptions in China.
Interestingly enough, China is allowing the launch of Microsoft's Xbox One gaming console in September. It will be distributed through wireless carrier China Telecom Crop and JD.com, and e-commerce website.
"We aim to build products that deliver the features, security and reliability customers expect," Microsoft said in a statement to numerous news outlets. "We will actively cooperate with the government department's investigation and answer related questions."
As of right now, Microsoft hasn't been accused of any wrongdoing.
According to Reuters, China has been keeping a close eye on Microsoft and its technologies every since former U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) contractor Edward Snowden blew the whistle on a massive and ongoing spying effort.
It's been rough Microsoft in China during the past few months. Back in May, central government offices were prohibited from installing Windows 8 on new computers -- it doesn't appear the ban has been lifted, and it might never be. More recently, Microsoft's OneDrive cloud storage service saw disruptions in China.
Interestingly enough, China is allowing the launch of Microsoft's Xbox One gaming console in September. It will be distributed through wireless carrier China Telecom Crop and JD.com, and e-commerce website.
"We aim to build products that deliver the features, security and reliability customers expect," Microsoft said in a statement to numerous news outlets. "We will actively cooperate with the government department's investigation and answer related questions."
As of right now, Microsoft hasn't been accused of any wrongdoing.
