• PC Magazine, Wednesday, February 1, 2012 11:46 AM

Kicking Google when it’s down -- due to criticism over new search and privacy policies -- Microsoft has unleaded a related ad campaign promoting its rival services. In light of the growing unrest, Microsoft “has decided to pounce on this shift in public sentiment by releasing an advertising campaign specifically designed to get users to switch,” reports PCMag.com. The ads, set to appear in major U.S. newspapers every day this week, are titled "Putting people first," and highlight how Google's recent changes affect users and their personal information. "Why are they so interested in doing this that they would risk this kind of backlash?" the ads ask.

"One logical reason: Every data point they collect and connect to you increases how valuable you are to an advertiser." In a blog post announcing the new campaign, Microsoft's Frank Shaw explains: "The changes Google announced make it harder, not easier, for people to stay in control of their own information. We take a different approach… And to help remind people of these alternatives, we're placing a series of ads in some major newspapers this week." Recalling a attack waged by Apple against Microsoft, PCMag adds: “Some naysayers might look at this new campaign as a mere stunt on Microsoft's part, but the move has historical, and very effective precedent.”

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