Summary: Convicted monopolist Microsoft has its moles' voice invalidated, based on the conflict of interest (Microsoft versus the public)

WITH Microsoft moles like Hopkirk or Müller out there, it seems ever more reasonable to watch out for "controlled opposition" strategies. Microsoft is trying to speak 'on behalf' of its opposition (e.g. "FOSS patents"), as it has done for quite a while now. The H writes about this latest example where Microsoft influence poisons the well:

The Cabinet Office has confirmed that the consultation on Open Standards which was due to close next week has now been extended by a month after the facilitator of a round table discussion was discovered to have been directly advising Microsoft on the Open Standards consultation. The roundtable events have been held to bring opinions together and as a complementary source of input to the consultation, alongside the email, post and online methods for offering opinions on the government's proposals.

According to the Cabinet Office, Dr Andrew Hopkirk facilitated a 4 April 2012 roundtable around "Competition and European Interaction". Hopkirk, described as "a respected advocate for 'openness and interoperability of systems, of people, processes and information technologies'", was engaged by the Cabinet Office as a facilitator on a pro bono basis.

A few years ago Microsoft did the same type of thing in Europe, but government officials turned a blind eye, even in the face of complaints. So this latest development represents progress. See the links below. ⬆

1. European Open Source Software Workgroup a Total Scam: Hijacked and Subverted by Microsoft et al
2. Microsoft's AstroTurfing, Twitter, Waggener Edstrom, and Jonathan Zuck
3. Does the European Commission Harbour a Destruction of Free/Open Source Software Workgroup?
4. The Illusion of Transparency at the European Parliament/Commission (on Microsoft)
5. 2 Months and No Disclosure from the European Parliament
6. After 3 Months, Europe Lets Microsoft-Influenced EU Panel be Seen
7. Formal Complaint Against European Commission for Harbouring Microsoft Lobbyists
8. 'European' Software Strategy Published, Written by Lobbyists and Multinationals
9. Microsoft Uses Inside Influence to Grab Control, Redefine “Open Source”
10. With Friends Like These, Who Needs Microsoft?
11. Microsoft-Funded Fake 'SMB' Group Still Lobbies for Software Patents in Europe