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Digsby IM Client Quietly Installs Badware
An anonymous reader writes "IM company Digsby has quietly included malware in an update to their client software that utilizes users' computing power and bandwidth while idle for a quick buck. When questioned, developers at Digsby claim that they have done no wrong and that users should not complain because the client software is 'free.'" The money-making distributed computing software is in addition to six "crapware" apps that users must refuse during installation. The terms of service that no one ever reads does describe the CPU- and bandwidth-robbing moneymaker, and its off switch is located behind the "Support Digsby" menu item.
Again, Digsby didn't do anything wrong. They just changed the default "install options" and to use computer's idle resources, like everyone else.
Also not paying for software doesn't protect you from crapware. Just because they have more incentive to include that stuff doesn't mean they don't.
Sarcasm aside, I think what is "right" or "wrong" would have to be defined here. Is it wrong to use a computer's "resources" when it is "idle?" I suppose most would react and say "YES!" ... at least, it is unethical without prior consent ("Do you want to ..." during install). At least there's a way to turn it off.
GP was correct though. Open source just means the source is open. It doesn't mean the developers are any more ethical.