State sues major “spyware” distributor

Zardon · Apr 28, 2005, 10:43 PM

Attorney General Eliot Spitzer today sued one of the nation’s leading internet marketing companies, alleging that the firm was the source of “spyware” and “adware” that has been secretly installed on millions of home computers.

The suit against Los Angeles-based Intermix Media, Inc. is the most sweeping case to date involving programs that redirect web addresses, add toolbars and deliver pop-up ads.

“Spyware and adware are more than an annoyance,” Spitzer said. “These fraudulent programs foul machines, undermine productivity and in many cases frustrate consumers’ efforts to remove them from their computers. These issues can serve to be a hindrance to the growth of e-commerce.”

“Spyware and adware are more than an annoyance,” Spitzer said. “These fraudulent programs foul machines, undermine productivity and in many cases frustrate consumers’ efforts to remove them from their computers. These issues can serve to be a hindrance to the growth of e-commerce.”

Ari Schwartz, the Associate Director of the Center for Democracy and Technology in Washington D.C. said, “One of Internet users’ biggest frustrations today is unwanted software that sneaks onto computers without their owner’s consent and cannot be uninstalled. Companies have gotten away with unethical and illegal software download practices for too long. The practices alleged in this case are widespread on the Internet and we hope that both federal and state authorities follow Attorney General Spitzer’s lead in making this a priority, ”

read full story here

thanks to lee for the submission

mike2h · Apr 29, 2005, 01:21 AM

about time! hope they hang these bozos out to dry & other states follow their example.

The_Neon_Cowboy · Apr 29, 2005, 01:36 AM

hopefullt they sock it to them

mike2h · Apr 29, 2005, 02:08 AM

then stomp on them.

BWX · Apr 29, 2005, 02:18 PM

then take a way their birthdays...

zerodamage · Apr 29, 2005, 02:56 PM

Guys, be careful of a new one called Zango. It is starting to become a problem because it is aimed at kids. It is an IM, search bar, etc etc and what most people do not know is that it is owned by 180 solutions. If you have kids, you may want to block www.zango.com in your hosts file.

-Lee

mike2h · Apr 29, 2005, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BWX

then take a way their birthdays...

& xmas!

**dj_stick** · Apr 29, 2005, 11:59 PM

take away their father's day

mike2h · Apr 30, 2005, 02:58 AM

& their ability to propagate!!

Apr 28, 2005, 10:43 PM	#1
Zardon DriverHeaven Founder Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 32,480 Rep Power: 177	State sues major “spyware” distributor Attorney General Eliot Spitzer today sued one of the nation’s leading internet marketing companies, alleging that the firm was the source of “spyware” and “adware” that has been secretly installed on millions of home computers. The suit against Los Angeles-based Intermix Media, Inc. is the most sweeping case to date involving programs that redirect web addresses, add toolbars and deliver pop-up ads. “Spyware and adware are more than an annoyance,” Spitzer said. “These fraudulent programs foul machines, undermine productivity and in many cases frustrate consumers’ efforts to remove them from their computers. These issues can serve to be a hindrance to the growth of e-commerce.” “Spyware and adware are more than an annoyance,” Spitzer said. “These fraudulent programs foul machines, undermine productivity and in many cases frustrate consumers’ efforts to remove them from their computers. These issues can serve to be a hindrance to the growth of e-commerce.” Ari Schwartz, the Associate Director of the Center for Democracy and Technology in Washington D.C. said, “One of Internet users’ biggest frustrations today is unwanted software that sneaks onto computers without their owner’s consent and cannot be uninstalled. Companies have gotten away with unethical and illegal software download practices for too long. The practices alleged in this case are widespread on the Internet and we hope that both federal and state authorities follow Attorney General Spitzer’s lead in making this a priority, ” read full story here thanks to lee for the submission

Apr 29, 2005, 01:21 AM	#2
mike2h DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: norcal Posts: 6,483 Rep Power: 89 System Specs	about time! hope they hang these bozos out to dry & other states follow their example. __________________

Apr 29, 2005, 01:36 AM	#3
The_Neon_Cowboy HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 16,009 Rep Power: 90 System Specs	hopefullt they sock it to them __________________

Apr 29, 2005, 02:08 AM	#4
mike2h DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: norcal Posts: 6,483 Rep Power: 89 System Specs	then stomp on them. __________________

Apr 29, 2005, 02:18 PM	#5
BWX unplugged Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: USNY Posts: 19,665 Rep Power: 109 System Specs	then take a way their birthdays... __________________

Apr 29, 2005, 02:56 PM	#6
zerodamage HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Virginia, USA Posts: 3,478 Rep Power: 0 System Specs	Guys, be careful of a new one called Zango. It is starting to become a problem because it is aimed at kids. It is an IM, search bar, etc etc and what most people do not know is that it is owned by 180 solutions. If you have kids, you may want to block www.zango.com in your hosts file. -Lee

Apr 30, 2005, 02:58 AM	#9
mike2h DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: norcal Posts: 6,483 Rep Power: 89 System Specs	& their ability to propagate!! __________________