>So how were they forced? Well, we can't really know (they won't answer FOIA requests!). We can only make guesses. Could be they were just asked. Western Unio

>So how were they forced? Well, we can't really know (they won't answer FOIA requests!). We can only make guesses. Could be they were just asked. Western Union gave telegrams to the NSA just for the asking. Some people would argue that Microsoft has enjoyed favorable treatment by the courts. Maybe there was a quid pro quo somewhere along the way. NSA has strategically placed employees/agents in other companies. Why not Microsoft?