Microsoft drops Blaster worm creator's $500,000 fine

Microsoft showed some mercy by dropping the $500,000 fine that Blaster worm creator Jeffrey Lee Parson received. Instead the teen while have to do 225 hours of community service in addition to 1.5 years in prison and an earlier order to perform 100 hours of community service. He will also be placed under supervision for three years.

Microsoft, which released Parson from his financial obligation in a legal agreement signed by both parties earlier this week, said it was satisfied with the final sentence.

"Mr. Parson's additional community service will have a stronger impact on him in serving his sentence," Tim Cranton, senior attorney at Microsoft, said in an e-mailed statement.

Read more at Reuters