Microsoft locks out top open source devs, blames process

Microsoft's Windows Hardware Program account verification process silently deactivated developer accounts for Mounir Idrassi (VeraCrypt) and Jason Donenfeld (WireGuard) without any prior notification or explanation. Both developers were unable to sign drivers or publish updates, creating a security risk. The appeals process was a catch-22: a deactivated account couldn't file an appeal through the AI support tool. After public pressure and media coverage, Microsoft's Windows President Pavan Davuluri intervened, promising quick resolution and acknowledging communication failures. Donenfeld's account was ultimately reinstated, but the incident exposed serious flaws in Microsoft's automated enforcement and support processes for open source developers.