Spyware Company Tries to Silence Spyware Critics
from Broadband Reports

The ISearch and IDownload applications have a long and sordid history of using clearly documented shady installation techniques; most recently making use of the WMP DRM vulnerability. The company behind the apps have sent a "cease and desist" letter to security site Castle Cops, for classifying the applications as "Spyware":

"This firm represents iDownload.com with respect to your inaccurate classification of iDownload's software product, iSearch toolbar, by referring to it as Spyware in its description. Specifically, a recent review of materials disseminated by your company, via the Internet, revealed that your company is falsely disparaging iDownload's product."

The letter goes on to inform the site they will take legal action if they do not change their description of the ISearch and IDownload products. Not only can't the products be called "Spyware", they can't be called "Foistware" or "Malware" either.

Calling a steaming pile of feces a rose does not make it smell any better. Oh, and to save prof_booty some time:
"You could solve your whole spyware problem by running an OS that does not suck. Go Linux! Ra Ra Ra!"

More

Why is this so important to them? Because the marketing industry knows that Congress is considering new laws cracking down on sleazy products. To avoid getting caught up in any nets, they've been engaged in a massive image makeover and PR campaign that so-far includes:

• Reframing the debate by calling what they do "Adware", and what the "bad guys over there" do as "Spyware". They then pretend (WhenU's "Spyware Removal tool") to be part of the solution, instead of part of the problem.
• Legally pressuring or offering anti-spyware vendors marketing deals to exclude their applications from detection.
• Joining anti-spyware consortiums, nearly leading to their dissolution.(You have to read this thread as well. If anything it is more outrageous and inflammatory then the article you are reading.)
• Threatening on-line resources who refuse to play along with the new marketing industry coined definitions of what constitutes troublesome software.
• If you recall, Claria sued the PC Pitstop website some time ago for the same reason. We joked at the time that bank robbery must now be referred to as "professional forced fund reallocation." It's no longer funny.

Corporate anti-spyware vendors seem unwilling to stand up to the industry and critics are being threatened. Does the future have us quietly huddled in IRC channels exchanging open-source applications that remove all marketing fodder without apology?

posted by awiggins | 04:11 PM