ReveNews
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.
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.
PostScript: Word “on the street” that this case is only the beginning…more to follow.