Five major Internet companies; Yahoo, America Online (AOL), Cnet Networks, Verizon Communications and Computer Associates International, have announced a program to weed out advertisers who infect computers with stealth computer code, that generates endless pop-up ads, monitors personal data and generally impairs computer performance.
The stealth code, known as spyware, adware or trackware, is generally delivered to people’s computers via e-mail, through programs that consumers download, or simply by visiting a Web site.
οΎ The program dubbed “Trusted Download Program”, aims at setting tougher criteria for makers of spyware and adware.
The 5-member coalition plans to focus on consumer downloads of programs such as screen savers, games, file-sharing services, etc., which tend to contain spyware or adware from advertisers, who pay software providers to be included in the product downloads.
According to the “Trusted Download Program”, providers of downloadable programs will have to ensure that there is prominent notification about the spyware or adware being included, plus an explanation regarding what the code can do. Further, there must be an easy method of deleting the code, and the origin of advertising must be clearly displayed.
Those downloadable applications that meet the necessary criteria will feature on a “white list” of certified ‘safe’ programs. Members of the coalition will not advertise on, or distribute programs, which do not feature on this list.
This new system was developed in conjunction with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and the Center for Democracy and Technology – a digital advocacy group. The system will be overseen by Truste, a non-profit company, which provides security and privacy seals of approval to Web sites that adhere to its guidelines.
Interestingly, Microsoft and Google are not participating in this program, though they have said that they support its goals.
The program will not go live until the first quarter of 2006.
If the new system proves successful, adware purveyors such as Claria, WhenU, and 180solutions are sure to suffer a big hit. On the other hand, this industry effort is far from being a surefire success, since according to reports there are many loop-holes.
Source: http://www.techtree.com/
