US consumer groups up in arms over Windows XP

US consumer groups are to launch an assault on Microsoft to combat the anti-competitive nature of Windows XP.

The groups will argue that the operating system stifles the choices available to the regular consumer.

Organisations including the Consumer Federation of America and the Consumers Union are set to argue that the increasingly infamous operating system is harmful to US consumers because it denies them choice.

If Windows XP arrives in the shops on the expected launch date of 25 October, US associations claim American consumers will be denied choice of products and the privacy they are entitled to.

Windows XP will be bundled with Microsoft internet software, which includes Messenger, Passport, Media Player and MSN leaving little space for third party competition.

But the concerns raised in the US by consumer groups that represent non-business users, seem to be of less concern in the UK. The Consumers' Association in the UK told silicon.com that it is not yet looking into the issue.

This stance was echoed by the European Consumers' Association, which explained that due to limited resources the Windows XP issue is not currently being investigated.

Caroline Hayat, spokeswoman at the European consumers' Association, added: "This doesn't mean it's not an important issue for the European consumer and will not be investigated in future."

US consumer groups will reveal their recommendations later this evening.