Consumer groups say Microsoft and other Web-based companies are using “unfair and deceptive” business practices. The groups call for the FTC to shut down new forms of online data collection until consumer safeguards are in place. Microsoft says it is committed to protecting customer privacy. The FTC next week is hosting a three-day forum on protecting consumers online, called Protecting Consumers in the Next Tech-ade The groups say the agency needs to go beyond a series of presentations by Web companies and take a hard look at data collection.”]