Chapter 8: WHAT IS BEING DONE

The industry of virtuosity seems highly vulnerable these days with the advent of spyware and adwares of various makes and applications. To counter these threats to the computer systems the authorities and the concerned parties are struggling hard for a way-out.

One proper way of negotiating with these malicious threats is to make the users more knowledgably sound. Providing appropriate training could make the users learned enough to fight spyware. They would then know for sure which sites to access and which ones to avoid. Apart from the mere accessibility shielding they can actually then do the needful, like recognizing and not clicking the “yes” or “cancel” button on a spyware pop-up and do what is most safe and desirable, like keying in Ctrl + F4 to avoid spyware from downloading.  

Another process is the path taken by the software companies. They are spending a fortune after the researches dealing with anti-spyware applications. Applications like Aluria Associates latest product Spyware Eliminator 4.0 which is credited with the successful removal of the immovable spyware CoolWebSearch, which other software failed, the PCTools’ Spyware Doctor 3.0 which has been tested proved to be as effective as to the amount of 77%, the Spy Sweeper from Webroot Software Company noted for identifying, eliminating, and jamming the menacing spyware applications. Or so to say the Counterspy application manufactured by Sunbelt Software Company and of course Microsoft AntiSpyware to name a few. These applications range from around $30 per set to a contract of around $80 per year.

But it would not be enough to fight spyware if the Legal Authority never came into the scene to eradicate this menace. As it is, Spyware cannot be entitled as a virus in the legal context as it never replicates itself. And in practical sense, the user actually agrees to be spied upon while you click the ‘I agree’ button while installing, though unintentionally, spyware software. It is very realistic to affirm that users on the odd occasion ever read the agreement while downloading. People never carry a lawyer while doing such things as downloading or installing.

But all is not so grim anyway, the state of Utah has already gone a step ahead of others and announced that several usage performed by spyware would be strictly proscribed. Even the US Congress is preparing to follow the same line of operation. House Resolution 2929--the Spy Act has been prepared to control this menace. This is what Utah’s anti-spyware law, the Spyware Control Act, has to say,   “At BA Venture Partners, we would not consider any application that uses pop-ups, is distributed through file sharing such as Kazaa or is not removable. Beyond that, we would look for applications that provide consumers value and would be installed on their own if people knew about them. The aggressive tactics of some advertising-supported software has given the whole sector a bad name. But if the software is fully disclosed and doesn't rely on intrusive methods such as pop-ups, the consumer should have a choice to view ads in return for software. What's more, the developer should have a right to make money. Beyond these guidelines, the legal risks and moral problems become clear, and legitimate businesses should stay away from these practices. So we certainly would not consider anything beyond Circle 3. ”

Armed with this legitimacy Attorney General Eliot Spitzer lately sued Intermix Media, Inc. a Los Angeles-based software company, specialized in internet marketing and already a world leader in its sphere, alleging them to be a prominent source of various hazardous applications responsible for secretly installing "adware" and “spyware” in millions of home computers. This is the most comprehensive case that has ever been put forward in defense of the general user against applications involving superfluous pop-up ads, addition of toolbars and redirection of web addresses. According to Attorney General Eliot Spitzer "Spyware and adware are more than an annoyance. These fraudulent programs foul machines undermine productivity and in many cases frustrate consumers' efforts to remove them from their computers. These issues can serve to be a hindrance to the growth of e-commerce."

Apart from this, the Associate Director of the Center for Democracy and Technology, Ari Schwartz, in Washington D.C. commented on the matter saying, "One of Internet users' biggest frustrations today is unwanted software that sneaks onto computers without their owner's consent and cannot be uninstalled. Companies have gotten away with unethical and illegal software download practices for too long. The practices alleged in this case are widespread on the Internet and we hope that both federal and state authorities follow Attorney General Spitzer's lead in making this a priority.”

It is at least a feel good prospect that lastly the proper authority has stepped in and something positive is happening.