The Russian government is using Microsoft software piracy investigations as a pretext for seizing computers and other materials from political opponents and news organizations, according to a comprehensive report in The New York Times. The report accuses Microsoft of supporting the raids despite their political nature. Furthermore, the software giant is reportedly refusing to help targeted groups that have gone out of their way to purchase legitimate software, saying the issue is in the hands of the Russian security police.

On top of all of this, international anticorruption group Transparency International and Russian human rights group Memorial are claiming that certain private lawyers representing Microsoft are involved in corruption schemes (the accusations appear in a separate Times article). Specifically, the two groups say they have received dozens of reports where corrupt Russian officials allegedly work with lawyers from Microsoft to seize computers, claim that they have found pirated Microsoft software, and demand bribes.

In response to the report, Microsoft gave the Times a very detailed statement, admitting that its antipiracy efforts may need some improvement. "We have to protect our products from piracy, but we also have a commitment to respect fundamental human rights," a Microsoft spokesperson told The New York Times. "Microsoft antipiracy efforts are designed to honor both objectives, but we are open to feedback on what we can do to improve in that regard."

Microsoft says it has promised Russian human rights advocacy groups that it will make three changes: improve the training and accountabilities tied to its antipiracy program, publish a list of its authorized representatives in Russia on its website, and increase awareness of its Infodonor program, which makes software available to NGOs for free in Russia.