The Windows 8 Kill Switch: A Hacker's Dream Come True

The very anticipated operating system Windows 8 will have a feature that was never found on PC's before: A kill switch that can remotely delete software and edit code without the user's permission. Although Microsoft claims the switch would only be used for software that is downloaded from its app store, no official policies clearly define the actual purpose of the kill switch... nothing is truly considered "illegal" and that includes issues regarding spying, censorship and free speech.

Pretty scary, kids. Less-than-totally-freaked-out Computerworld has this to say:
Kill switches -- so called because a simple command can deactivate or delete an app -- are common in mobile app stores. Both Apple and Google can flip such a switch for apps distributed by the iOS App Store and Android Market, respectively.In the Windows Store terms of use, Microsoft made it clear that it can pull the kill switch at its discretion.

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Malicious apps beware, Windows 8 will feature a 'kill switch'

“Kill switches” have become a standard part of most mobile operating systems. Apple, Amazon, Microsoft and Google each have the ability to remotely delete malicious applications from users’ devices without permission. With the launch Windows 8 later this year, millions of computers will receive similar functionality for the first time according to Bloomberg.

Microsoft hasn’t spoken publicly about Windows 8's inclusion of the feature, having only confirmed to Bloomberg that it will have the ability to remotely delete or update applications downloaded through the Windows 8 app store. Any software installed from a flash drive, DVD or through a Web browser will remain outside of Microsoft’s reach.

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