Microsoft has apparently just made available a new FAQ on its controversial Palladium technology at http://www.microsoft.com/PressPass/features/2002/aug02/0821PalladiumFAQ.asp. Samples:

Q: I've heard that "Palladium" will force people to run only Microsoft-approved software.

A: "Palladium" can't do that. "Palladium's" security chip (the SSC) and other features are not involved in the boot process of the OS or in the OS's decision to load an application that doesn't use a "Palladium" feature and execute it. Because "Palladium" is not involved in the boot process, it cannot block an OS, or drivers or any non-"Palladium" PC application from running. Only the user decides what "Palladium" applications get to run. Anyone can write an application to take advantage of "Palladium" APIs without notifying Microsoft (or anyone else) or getting its (or anyone else's) approval.

Q: Some people have claimed that "Palladium" will enable Microsoft or other parties to detect and remotely delete unlicensed software from my PC. Is this true?

A: No. As stated above, the function of "Palladium" is to make digitally signed statements about code identity and hide secrets from other "Palladium" applications and regular Windows kernel- and user-mode spaces. "Palladium" doesn't have any features that make it easier for an application to detect or delete files.

Hopefully Microsoft will continue to release information about Palladium. That should help to bring some of the more outrageous rumors under control.