Microsoft Denies Claria got Spyware Exception

daria42 writes "Microsoft has denied its AntiSpyware application has given adware-maker Claria special treatment. The denial has been issued amid reports MS is looking to buy Claria, and is in response to security researchers' reports stating AntiSpyware had downgraded the threat level posed by Claria's adware products. The downgrade in threat level merely represented an effort to be "fair and consistent with how Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) handles similar software from other vendors," according to a statement published by Microsoft." As reader jfengel writes, though, "they neglected to mention what software that might be, nor did they publish the analysis."

Comments

Funny qote from TFA

[Underholdning]

"We firmly believe that people should have complete control over what runs on their computers," Microsoft added."

Well, 10 million compromised windowsboxes seems to contradict that belief.

Re:Funny qote from TFA

[TripMaster Monkey]

Not at all...they firmly believe that everyone should have complete control over what runs on your computer... ^_^

bah

[Janek Kozicki]

I have 2modpoints left, and I'm in bad mood. So I wanted to mod insightful a comment like: "microsoft sucks!" but there was no comment like that. What's up with you guys?

Suuuuuuure, Bill

[CaptainZapp]

"fair and consistent with how Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) handles similar software from other vendors,"

Hmm, I'm sure they wouldn't lie and I shall read the statement as soon my flying pig is back.

It's on a mission, surveying the earth in order to prove that it's flat.

A very simple explanation.

[doublem]

This all makes sense when you realize one key, critical piece of information.

First, a quote:

Has Microsoft given in to vendors' threats? Or forgotten how badly "adware" damages the Windows experience (ultimately encouraging users to switch to other platforms)?

Now, the key, critical piece of information.

Microsoft's anti-spy ware devision is headed by a MAC user! You see, MAC zealots have infiltrated the Microsoft hierarchy, and are plotting it's downfall from within.

As a matter of fact, this is a pervasive presence, weaving into all levels of the company.

Think about it. Doesn't Clippy make much more sense as MAC sabotage than as an actual feature? No doubt someone floated a mock up with the note, "Looks just like something I saw at the last MAC expo."

Architecture changes that mean the XBOX II won't be able to run XBOX games, the endless delays in Longhorn, the XP default theme, the differences between XP Home and XP Pro, these are all contributed by MAC users who are gradually whittling away Microsoft from within.

And because Microsoft has been shamelessly copying the MAC for so long, all they have to do is float the rumor that MAC is going to do something, and Microsoft programmers and management throw themselves into trying to replicate it, or at least toss together a half asses rip-off of the feature / technology.

Re:More info and analysis

[bill_mcgonigle]

And then I'll have to eat crow for quite a while.

Admitting you have a problem is the first step. Welcome.

Re:More info and analysis

[overshoot]

Seriously, I have spent way too much time cleaning that junk off of my daughter's computer.

They're solving that. Once MS buys Gator, they'll fix the bugs that make it removable.

"Integrated into the operating system," like IE, Media, etc. The script should be familiar by now.

Re:Spy Sweeper too

[Pollardito]

That is part of why a program that installs itself, logs your keystokes, saves your credit card info, and turns on your webcam while you are in the shower is a "petentially unwanted program"

where exactly do you keep your computer?