Business Software Alliance controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2006
Criticism of employee-reporting rewards
BSA attracted criticism for offering rewards of up to $200,000 to current or former employees who reported suspected software-license violations by employers. Critics viewed the practice as potentially coercive, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses.
1997
Antel settlement and allegations of Microsoft dominance
A publicly discussed case involving Uruguay’s state-owned telephone company Antel began after alleged copying of Microsoft, Novell, and Symantec software. The action was dropped after Antel entered an agreement with Microsoft to replace its software, prompting allegations that BSA primarily served Microsoft’s interests despite its multi-member structure.
Controversy over software-piracy study methodology
Researchers and commentators have criticized BSA’s recurring piracy studies as relying on uncertain estimates and an unproven assumption that each unauthorized copy represents a lost sale. The studies have also been criticized for being used to support stricter copyright laws and tougher penalties.
SOPA advocacy and member departure
BSA’s support for the proposed Stop Online Piracy Act generated controversy among technology companies. Kaspersky Lab left the alliance over the organization’s position, highlighting internal disagreement about online copyright enforcement.