Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

iDownload Tries to Silence Spyware Critics

Posted by timothy on from the o-muerta dept.

Doug Muth writes "According to this article over on DSL Reports, yet another spyware author, iDownload, has been sending out cease and desist letters to sites that classify their iSearch toolbar as Spyware. Some research reveals that yes, iSearch really does take over users' computers. A search on Spyware Guide also turns up a writeup on iSearch."

8 of 446 comments (clear)

  1. Packets by BoldAC · · Score: 5, Interesting

    What?

    I have seen packets of it sending the current URL to questionable websites... especially right before it pops up a window.

    Spyware, no doubt.

  2. Hey, you know something? by Faust7 · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I really hope Microsoft, having recently released that beta of AntiSpyware, gets one of these letters.

    iDownload won't even know what hit them.

    --
    The coolest voice ever.
  3. Re:Doesn't matter by Kashif+Shaikh · · Score: 4, Interesting
    Which is why Anti-Spyware software have to rename themselves, or put something in bold letters when something found isn't spy-based software. Something desclaimer like:

    WARNING: 'ChangeYourToolBar.exe' isn't spyware. It is a program that changes your toolbar with its own custom version, without asking your permission. If you think this is an illegitimate program, please click on the check box to delete.

    Now this removes the burden-of-proof from anti-spyware programs, and lets the user decide whether he should keep it or not based on the description.

    Kashif

  4. You should report that to ICSA by Sycraft-fu · · Score: 4, Interesting

    They may decide to go after iDownload for it.

  5. Does iDownload need a problem? I'll give them one. by Mr.Fork · · Score: 5, Interesting

    As a Federal Government IT Manager, I have a problem with software that sits on a machine and collects information. Any application that can track a government employee's use of a workstation falls into the espionage law areas.

    It would be interesting that as a Federal Agency, we deemed these programs malicious software, and seek Federal action against the companies who make these applications with a C&D of our own. Spyware constitutes spying. Without clear permission from the user, we shoud be fighting these companies on our own front.

    Stay tuned. :)

    --
    Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things. - Peter F. Drucker
  6. Re:Could happen to you... by rcamera · · Score: 5, Interesting

    i liked this paragraph...

    Further, you agree that you will not initiate, permit, authorize or assist any third party or application to remove the Software from your computer, or disrupt its operation or the operation of any other user. You agree that removal of the Software from your computer will only be performed by you pursuant to the instructions set forth herein.

    does this mean that i can't clean up the spywa^H^H^H^H^Hsoftware on my wife's machine for her?

    --
    Wave upon wave of demented avengers March cheerfully out of obscurity into the dream
  7. Re:Remover? by duck_oil · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Great link. It should be posted:

    iDownload.com, Inc. DBA iSearch Internet provides applications which help to subsidize the free content and product offerings of many publishers. iSearch applications are not spy ware and do not collect any personally identifiable information about users. Additionally, iSearch applications do not hijack home pages, promote obscene material, alter/add items to user's favorites, modify security related settings, prevent security related applications from running, or alter cookies or url's to receive credit for affiliate driven sales.

    If you wish to remove the iSearch applications from your computer, you may download our automated removal mechanism.

    Please be aware that many so called "ad ware removers" and "spy ware removers" can cause damage to your computer and may alter your computer in such a way that our automated removal application will not function. At the present time, there is no third party software which is capable of removing iSearch applications. If you have purchased an application which claims to remove iSearch, we encourage you to contact your credit card company and request an immediate reversal with the reason of "Product Not As Described" and/or contact the Better Business Bureau.

  8. Cute. Nice cancerware. by Mr.+Underbridge · · Score: 4, Interesting
    iDownload.com, Inc. DBA iSearch Internet provides applications which help to subsidize the free content and product offerings of many publishers.

    Gee, and how might they do that? Surely not anything that'll annoy the fuck out of me?

    iSearch applications are not spy ware and do not collect any personally identifiable information about users.

    No, just everything else. Methinks iDownload doth protest too much - I've never heard a EULA (or whatever) claim NOT to be spyware unless it WAS spyware.

    Additionally, iSearch applications do not hijack home pages, promote obscene material, alter/add items to user's favorites, modify security related settings, prevent security related applications from running, or alter cookies or url's to receive credit for affiliate driven sales.

    That's a better definition of malware than spyware, though not inclusive regardless.

    At the present time, there is no third party software which is capable of removing iSearch applications.

    Hm. So, in other words, we've p0wned your box. But we're not spyware, of course not.

    If you have purchased an application which claims to remove iSearch, we encourage you to contact your credit card company and request an immediate reversal with the reason of "Product Not As Described" and/or contact the Better Business Bureau.

    Uh huh, it's Norton who needs to be reported to the BBB. Not the bunch of assholes who have done everything possible to keep their cancerware on your box.