Microsoft's VP or Trustworthy Computing pushes for Internet tax

March 2010

Scott Charney,Microsoft Vice President for Trustworthy Computing,suggested a broad Internet tax to help defray the costs associated with computer security breaches and vast Internet attacks while speaking at a security conference in San Francisco. Charney suggested the usage fee would be a way to subsidize the heavy costs associated with fighting mounting cyber threats. He was also quoted as saying "You could say it's a public safety issue and do it with general taxation".

Charney's suggestion has quickly angered many in the IT world who site Microsoft's historically vulnerable Windows operating system as responsible for countless, worldwide cybersecurity problems. Charney further suggested that the IT industry focus it's efforts on social solutions and compared mounting Internet security issues with issues facing national healthcare.