DOJ Statement re Korean FTC MSFT Decision

The DOJ released a statement regarding the Korean FTC's ruling against Microsoft today. The Korean FTC wants to impose similar remedies as the European Commission did last year, requiring an alternate version of Windows without Windows Media Player or Windows Messenger. This comes even after European sales show consumers and vendors do not want the minimalist version of Windows. See Scott Bekker, "Windows XP N stands for 'No Sales'", Oct. 7 2005.

The Antitrust Division believes that Korea's remedy goes beyond what is necessary or appropriate to protect consumers, as it requires the removal of products that consumers may prefer. The Division continues to believe that imposing 'code removal' remedies that strip out functionality can ultimately harm innovation and the consumers that benefit from it.