It's DRM. Current means are ineffective because of piracy. So, being able to check how the game is being used is a way of dealing with it.
They made the game. They have the right to stop people from stealing it.
I have nothing against them protecting their game but this is going too far. This is only hurting the innocent and the pirates will get around this one way or another. If you loose your internet connection you are kicked out of the game. If you are on the road or plane or what ever and have no internet you can't play the game.
I have bought probably a $1000 worth of ubisofts games over the years but no more.