Regulate Spyware

[ReiperX]

I think spyware needs to have to have certain guidelines regulated by the government, to protect consumers from it. And hefty fines for companies using spyware not conforming to the regulations such as:

Have a EULA explaining what the spyware does and asks if you want to install it or not.
Have an uninstall program that comes with it.

I think its Colorado that already has similar laws in effect, and I would love to see it hit federal law.

This way these companies are not invading your privacy without your knowledge, and you actually can stop it. Spyware, although no one likes it, is a necisarry evil in some aspects, but its getting out of hand greatly where as you can't tell the difference between some spyware and some viruses.

Any thoughts?

[dELtaluca]

ehm, some spyware is used for the sole purpose of invading someones privacy for mallicous means

[Der-Lowe]

At 2/23/06 07:18 AM, -dELta- wrote: ehm, some spyware is used for the sole purpose of invading someones privacy for mallicous means

Yes, it's like having guidelines with viruses.
There are some which do have an EULA, like weather bug, but there's a discussion whether it is spyware or not.

[ReiperX]

At 2/23/06 07:18 AM, -dELta- wrote: ehm, some spyware is used for the sole purpose of invading someones privacy for mallicous means

Right, having some regulations on it would mean that the people creating the spyware that is solely for malicious uses can actually be punished by the law.

[darkfiretime1]

I think any and all companies that make spyware, and adware, should be destroyed. Take the top executives and hang them from skyscrapers. Mutilate there bodies, and seperate bodyparts to each part of a city.

lol

[TehreTard]

I hope they do pass it into a federal law because that's the main reason my old computer crashed when i go on the internet, plus spyware killed my dog >:(

[TheShrike]

The validity of a spyware EULA won't hold water in a court of law.

So people need to start suing the fuck out of those guys.

And buy more Macintoshes.

[fli]

I can't think rationally... can't play Devil's Advocate riggghhhnow....

FUCK SPYWARE...

*rage spasms*

My 4 year old HP Pavillion 750c is running like a beauty right now because I know how to prevent and remove spyware. But man... I hated this computer a year ago.

Okay,
Perhaps you're right.

However, most of the spyware companies will not willingly do this sort of things. And people, one word of advice. There is no program out there that is so valuable to compensate a spyware free computer for one with spyware.

Oh wells...
I remember Gator very well... It used to be on Newgrounds for a while, but thank god the Fulps came to their senses and removed it.

[True-Lies]

I once had gator installed on my computer when using Kazaa. Was it very malicious?

I wish that they'd put some sort've law into effect, but I doubt that it'd do much. Look at the anti-spam bill! I'm still getting loads of the stuff in my inbox, so I'm guessing that didn't do much to stem the tide. Seriously; who makes spam, anyway? Does anyone actually reply to spam?

[fli]

At 2/23/06 05:58 PM, True-Lies wrote: I once had gator installed on my computer when using Kazaa. Was it very malicious?

It wasn't really malicious,
but it was one of the most prominant...

So many web pages tried to install (and trick you to install it with it's "unbeating deals") that it became too frustrating.

While the Newgrounds Gator didn't automatically install, it just got annoying when the screen pops at you every few minutes "explaining" the wonderful snake-oil deals it had.

HA!

Good thing the Fulps removed it. Good riddence to bad rubish...

[ReiperX]

Spyware is nasty. I had some nasty stuff on my computer did the normal can't keep my home page, kept getting links on random words that would take you to sites trying to get you a mortage rate ect. I understand the advertising aspect of spyware, and I understand them tracking your movments, it can be of valuable use to a company's future, but its gone way over the edge to being basically the same thing as a virus. Anyways once I finally removed all of the spyware, my computer was no longer usable. My ethernet connection wouldn't work anymore, my start bar was stuck off the screen, I unlocked it and it still wouldn't let me move it back up, system restore was unavailable, and I couldn't run any programs. So yeah it was very malicious. It was searchextender, home shopping something, and a 3rd one bundled together, and gmd.eve not sure which one screwed up my computer. The search extender bundle even did have a uninstall thing, but it was a fake one and wouldn't actualy remove anything just make you restart your computer.

[TheTrueMrJack]

At 2/24/06 04:14 AM, ReiperX wrote: Spyware is nasty. I had some nasty stuff on my computer did the normal can't keep my home page

BHO: Browser Hijacker Object.

The search extender bundle even did have a uninstall thing, but it was a fake one and wouldn't actualy remove anything just make you restart your computer.

It probably DID remove itself from your computer. It made all of the entities deemed "Useful" (reason you dled it... unless it forced itself). It may have just moved the components that could spy on you, or it could have deleted it then reastablished itself via the registry.

Anyways, this law wouldn't work. It might deter some bigger companies, but it'd be just that; a deterrent. Plain and simple, it would not work.

Noble effort, but no cigar.

Crappy image, for the hell of it.

[MindControlFun]

Yeah, I got this virus called Virtumonde on my computer ever since I got Limewire, big mistake. It's been 4 months since Limewire's been on, but that crap is still there. I mean how is that kind of lame shit funny?

[TheTrueMrJack]

At 2/25/06 01:19 AM, MindControlFun wrote: Yeah, I got this virus called Virtumonde...

Its a trojan, but nobody really cares about the correct term.

Anyways,
Merry Christmas

Note: I am not 100% sure if this works, but hell.

[ReiperX]

At 2/25/06 01:19 AM, MindControlFun wrote: Yeah, I got this virus called Virtumonde on my computer ever since I got Limewire, big mistake. It's been 4 months since Limewire's been on, but that crap is still there. I mean how is that kind of lame shit funny?

If you know the name of the virus or program, google it. You'll end up finding sites that tell you step by step how to uninstall it. Had to do that earlier today. I guess I assumed firefox was too secure.

[intrepidus6]

Spyware and adware should be illegal. I had an old computor that crashed from it, and I don't want that to happen agian to me, or anyone else.