My computer has just been “upgraded” to WINDOWS 10. This was done without my consent, contrary to me having declined the offer (for personal and business reasons), during business hours in my own home. The time and business lost will equate to a minimum of $200 dollars and credibility with clients.
I am furious and alarmed that an external company can chose to use my computer for its own ends in my own home (contrary to my prior requests) and without my consent and preclude me from working at their whim. How can this happen? Will there be recompense for lost time and business impact?
This is an incredible invasion of privacy and a challenge to our rights as customers. We must stand up to remain free to able to choose the products we wish to use, when we want to use them and how and when we choose to purchase or upload them. Australian Consumer law allows for compensation for damages and losses we suffer due to a problem with a product or service. Microsoft needs to be put on notice that stealing hours from businesses is theft, particularly when it is done to further their own business interests. Their unwanted and unwarranted “upgrades” could reasonably be foreseen to create loss. Interestingly, the first condition in their “accept conditions” for the USA is that you waive your right to class actions! This seems suspicious and stitched up to me. Let’s prevent Microsoft thinking it is above the law and the citizens of Australia.
Beyond the original disbelief and frustration, I then spent a further hour attempting to lodge a complaint both by phone (while Microsoft blocked my computer) and then online. Microsoft does not have a Customer Service Centre (a clear indication that they are not interested in serving customers, they are serving themselves). Six taped options on a phone do not offer complaints or customer service. On finally getting through to the first person, I was told WINDOWS 10 is now an automatic upgrade, so it was my fault for not changing the default setting on my 3 year old computer that accepts upgrades! I finally got through to someone in the Philippines on a line for disabled customers. He was very polite and understanding but beyond letting his supervisor know, was not in any position to action my complaint or provide a contact for me. The original person told me the only way to make a complaint to Microsoft is to write them a letter and mail it (snail mail!) to their address in the USA!
Let’s get together, Australia, and let this self-serving, bullying, thieving international company know it does not own us or our time! We have a right to choose services, we have a right to autonomy in our own home and we have a right to lodge complaints. Their self-serving manipulation is unacceptable. Please, Australian Competition and Consumer Watchdog, watch MICROSOFT.
