The Electronic Privacy Information Center, and privacy group Junkbusters, as well as at least five other groups will ask the FTC to prevent the launch of Windows XP based on potential privacy threats arising from the operating system and Passport software, according to Marc Rotenberg, executive director for EPIC. The groups will ask that the FTC open an investigation into Microsoft's data-collection practices with regard to Passport and Windows XP, which is scheduled for release in October. The complaint will ask for relief under Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act, which is a legal standard evaluating whether a practice is unfair and deceptive. During a press conference Wednesday, Rotenberg said the complaint "concerns the privacy implications of the Windows XP system that is expected to become the primary means of access for consumers to the Internet." It will ask that the FTC investigate Microsoft's intention to "collect, track and profile millions of Internet users."
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