Microsoft Faces Probe Over Privacy in Europe

Microsoft Corp. is under investigation in Europe on claims that its system to collect personal information breaks privacy rules, adding to antitrust probes into the world’s largest software maker.

The European Commission said it had concerns about the legality of Microsoft’s Passport product, which stores identity data on the company’s servers so that Internet users don’t have to re-enter it as they move among programs and Web sites.

Microsoft already faces the threat of a fine by the commission for abusing the dominant position of the company’s Windows operating system.