Microsoft to pull controversial ad in India

Microsoft Corporation announced Friday that it was pulling a controversial series of ads currently airing in India. Some anti-technology groups alledged that the ads were aimed at middle-income, married or professional men, encouraging them to buy computers using Windows software in order to spend less time with their wives.

Microsoft spokesman Ian Stan Messidje stated the charges were "completely unfounded and spurious. Microsoft has no vested interest in targeting certain demographics. While it is true that India is a patriarchal, male-dominated society, and represents nearly 300 million possible sales in the near future, it has not been our policy to tailor our advertisements."