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Single Software Licence Shared 774,651 Times

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the running-rampant dept.

nk497 writes "A single licence for Avast security software has been used by 774,651 people after it went viral on a file-sharing site. Avast noticed that a license for its paid-for security software, sold to a 14-user firm in Arizona, was being distributed online. Rather than shut down the piracy, the company decided to see how far the software would spread — it's since popped up in 200 countries, including the Vatican City. Now, the company is turning it into a marketing opportunity, with a pop-up encouraging users of the pirated copy to download a legal copy of the free or paid-for version. Avast isn't sure how many pirates have gone legal, but said some have made the switch."

4 of 446 comments (clear)

  1. They didn’t sue them... by clone52431 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Well, that’s a good start, I guess.

    --
    Distributed Denial of APK: It takes 15 seconds to reply to him anonymously, but wastes tons of his time if we all do it.
  2. I think Microsoft might have them beat... by wolrahnaes · · Score: 5, Insightful

    FCKGW-RHQQ2...

    --
    I used to get high on life, but I developed a tolerance. Now I need something stronger.
  3. uh...what? by Pojut · · Score: 5, Insightful

    The pirating of legally-free software never ceases to amuse me...I know the licence is for a "paid" version of the program, but still, for personal users, the "free" version is more than sufficient. That being said, Avast's response to this has been PERFECT.

    --
    Living With a Nerd
  4. paradox by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Insightful

    The paradox might be that pirate sites are trusted more by users than antivirus creators.