Having recently read a few articles on the subject of Microsoft and their privacy policy, I thought that many of the people here would benefit from hearing this info. I am aware that many of you might already know this stuff, but I'm sure there is a fair number that havent. Basically, it turns out that the Microsoft Passport servise (which includes Hotmail - the worlds largest web based e-mail -) have approximatly zero interest in their users privacy. Surprise suprise. On closer inspection of the terms of use that you are supposed to read before signing up for a passport (how many of you did?) it seems that you are giving away all your rights to anything you send via Hotmail: by "inputting data ... or engaging in any other form of communication with or through the Passport Web Site" -- or any of its "associated services" -- you grant Microsoft the rights to "use, modify, copy, distribute, transmit, publicly display, publicly perform, reproduce, publish, sublicense, create derivative works from, transfer, or sell any such communication" And when you didn't think it could get any worse: you also give Microsoft the rights to -- "exploit any proprietary rights in such communication, including but not limited to rights under copyright, trademark, service mark or patent laws." Anything you send over Hotmail becomes Microsofts property - regardless of whether it is a patented design or a copyrighted novel or image. It has long been said that you shouldn't send sensative matterial over e-mail, but this really takes it one step further. My advise - drop Microsoft completely avoid using Hotmail, there are hundreds of other free web based e-mail servises. I recommend a rather tastfull one from www.portalofevil.com - xxxxx@i****edbillgates.com ALL YOUR BASE ARE BELONG TO MICRO$OFT! peace akibu