Microsoft bids to monopolise online credit card transactions

The Inquirer ^ | july 9, 2002 | Paul Hales

[JameRetief]

Boosting the power of "Passport"

By Paul Hales: Tuesday 09 July 2002, 10:19

MICROSOFT HAS PLANS to incorporate credit card details into its controversial Passport system, allowing users to make online purchases with the system and the Vole to track individuals wherever they go.

News.com says Microsoft will strike a deal today with Arcot Systems -- which makes credit card payment systems -- to build a service which will allow banks to verify credit card transactions using Microsoft's Password username and password.

According to research firm Gartner, the Passport service has about 14 million registered users, but one advantage of the system thus far is that users can remain anonymous. Microsoft recently said that it makes no checks on the information provided by users when they sign up for a "Passport", allowing them to insert any information they choose and therefore surf anonymously.

There is an option on the Passport system to insert credit card details, but Gartner estimates that only around 14 per cent of its users select this option.

Some users may find the thought of making Microsoft the guardian of Internet users' personal data a tad scary. We couldn't possibly comment. µ

[Free the USA]

Index Bump

[The Duke]

I'd hate for Microsoft to do to me what it did to IBM back in the heady days of OS/2 development.

A fish rots from the head down, and there is no more rotten a fish than Microsoft in my book (well, except for the entire Clinton administration and the DNC, of course).

[College Repub]

I'd trust them more (or at least as much as) Paypal/Ebay

[Southack]

Misleading title.

[JameRetief]

I agree, the title is a leap. But it isn't my title. :-)

[JameRetief]

With MS's track record on security, trusting them with important personal information is not a wise thing to do.

[goldstategop]

Look for Bill Gates to buy out Ebay and Paypal. It will make Microsoft King Of All Internet Businesses!

[TechJunkYard]

MICROSOFT HAS PLANS to incorporate credit card details into its controversial Passport system....
...
According to research firm Gartner, the Passport service has about 14 million registered users...
...
There is an option on the Passport system to insert credit card details, but Gartner estimates that only around 14 per cent of its users select this option.

So... this service isn't even in use yet, but close to two million people have already typed in their credit card numbers. Geeeeeezzz....

14% of Passport users are stupider than I thought.

[for-q-clinton]

My understanding of passport is that it will use your credit card info at participating vendors. To me, it sounds like they are trying to go to a model where they can use your credit card info at non-participating websites.

Personally, I don't care. I don't store my credit card online for anything. Mainly because I like to use a couple different cards depending on what I'm buying AND so far there hasn't been a compelling reason for me to store it online. To me it's not that hard typing in the name, #, address, expire date. It's not like I'm buying stuff all day long.

[Dominic Harr]

Some users may find the thought of making Microsoft the guardian of Internet users' personal data a tad scary.

Count me among that group.