Spitzer Goes After Intermix Media on Spyware Issue

It would appear that the general practice of sneaky installations has caught the eye of the NY Attorney General and he is non-plussed.

From this article:

Attorney General Eliot Spitzer today sued one of the nation’s leading internet marketing companies, alleging that the firm was the source of “spyware” and “adware” that has been secretly installed on millions of home computers.

The suit against Los Angeles-based Intermix Media, Inc. is the most sweeping case to date involving programs that redirect web addresses, add toolbars and deliver pop-up ads.

“Spyware and adware are more than an annoyance,” Spitzer said. “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.”

Ari Schwartz, the Associate Director of the Center for Democracy and Technology in Washington D.C. said, “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, “

From the Brookman Affirmation [PDF] Gives a great breakdown on the suit.

For more information check out SpywareWarrior’s blog.

Rumors abound that Intermix isn’t the only company under legal scrutiny. Perhaps this will accelerate the so-called ‘clean-up’ that marketing companies claim they are making.

About Wayne Porter

Wayne Porter is one of the original founders of ReveNews.com, and served as the CEO and founder of XBlock Systems a specialized research firm on greynets and malware research before being acquired by unified communications security leader, Factime Security Labs. His work includes serving as a panlist at the Federal Trade Commission to shape legislation on software and the creation of two patent-pending technologies for corporate networks. Wayne is a frequent speaker at e-commerce & business events including CJU, ASW and RSA and frequently cited in the press. He has been designated a Microsoft Security MVP three times and is recognized on Google’s Responsible Security Disclosure page- in addition to receiving the first Summit Legend Award. Wayne currently works as a Security Consultant on Social Media and operates a consultancy on digital worlds. His hobbies include reading science fiction, playing chess, fishing, writing, collecting shiny digital gadgets, playing racquetball and studying memetic engineering. He maintains a personal weblog at WaynePorter.com detailing his explorations in security, web 2.0, and virtual worlds.
You can follow Wayne on Twitter: @wporter.

Website: http://www.wayneporter.com