I sent an email to TurboTax way back when I first became aware of the outrageous issues associated with their product. Today, approaching 1 month from that date in which I sent the email, I got a response (the one and only). Below is my original email with their response.
--- Begin my email---
Product Activation I had been using Intuit products for some years and most recently TurboTax software, but since I have learned that TurboTax requires the installation of Macrovision's SafeCast I will be taking my tax software business elsewhere. My decision is based entirely on personal privacy which I feel Intuit and Macrovision have infringed upon with the inclusion of SafeCast. The EULA does not specifically mention SafeCast nor does it disclose what it's purpose is. Finally the EULA does not state that SafeCast will ALWAYS be running in memory hidden to the average computer user. Attempts to disable SafeCast between TurboTax sessions have shown to render TurboTax unusable. No method to shutdown SafeCast between TurboTax sessions was included either automatically in the TurboTax application or manually by the user. I'm sorry to say that Intuit has lost this customer due to its deceiving privacy practices and questionable ethics.
--- End my email ---
--- Begin TT response ---
Dear Mr. Ruegsegger,
Thank you for sharing your concerns about TurboTax Product Activation. Feedback from customers like you is the best way for us to know exactly what you're experiencing so we can work together to get you correct information and the best solution. Below is some information concerning TurboTax, Product Activation, and C-Dilla. Note items 4 and 8. You are correct that SafeCast should not be disabled before you are finished using TurboTax. However, item 8 below applies when you are finished using TurboTax for the year.
1) TurboTax 2002 includes a product activation process that ensures TurboTax is used in accordance with the TurboTax software license and services agreement.
2) Product activation ties printing and filing from the TurboTax federal product to a single computer, preventing unlicensed use of the product.
3) The Macrovision SafeCast® (C-Dilla) product activation technology used by Intuit installs files on your computer when you install TurboTax. These files serve as your product license in addition to managing and protecting that license.
4) These files are not "SpyWare." They interact only with TurboTax and with each other.
5) Macrovision SafeCast® (C-Dilla) does not transmit any personally identifiable information to Intuit or any other party. It does not examine, modify, or transmit any information about your computer, your computer's contents, or your activities or behavior.
6) Product activation will not prevent you from using your CD-R or CD-RW drives.
7) Privacy was a key consideration when implementing the Product Activation technology in TurboTax.
8) You can delete Macrovision SafeCast® (C-Dilla) folders and components associated with TurboTax. An uninstall utility is available on our support site at
http://www.turbotaxsupport.com/default.asp?platform=1&DocID=836
I am sorry you feel the way you do about Product Activation, and I hope this information helps to lessen your concerns. If you would like to get more information about product activation, please see the Product Activation page at
http://www.turbotaxsupport.com/default.asp?platform=1&docid=815. You are a valued customer and your opinion matters. If I can answer any additional concerns that you may have, please let me know.
DonB
--- End TT response ---
FYI, the return email is:
DonB_Support@intuit.com
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