The Big Companies That Advertise Through Spyware

from the time-to-think-again dept

For all of the complaints about how software products like Gator and WhenU get installed on computers (usually by having the permission hidden in the very very fine print while installing another application), there hasn't been too much attention given to the companies who advertise via such spyware applications and keep them in business. The Wall Street Journal is now pointing out that plenty of large companies seem to have no problem advertising through spyware. What's interesting is that this list includes Verizon, who claims they haven't received a single complaint. Verizon, of course, also supplies DSL, and if the reactions from plenty of other broadband providers is any indication, they must receive a ton of customer support calls from people trying to get such spyware off their computers. So, it's yet another case of companies trying to walk the fine line of telling their customers one thing publicly while supporting the spyware companies out the backdoor.
Hide this

Thank you for reading this Techdirt post. With so many things competing for everyone’s attention these days, we really appreciate you giving us your time. We work hard every day to put quality content out there for our community.

Techdirt is one of the few remaining truly independent media outlets. We do not have a giant corporation behind us, and we rely heavily on our community to support us, in an age when advertisers are increasingly uninterested in sponsoring small, independent sites — especially a site like ours that is unwilling to pull punches in its reporting and analysis.

While other websites have resorted to paywalls, registration requirements, and increasingly annoying/intrusive advertising, we have always kept Techdirt open and available to anyone. But in order to continue doing so, we need your support. We offer a variety of ways for our readers to support us, from direct donations to special subscriptions and cool merchandise — and every little bit helps. Thank you.

–The Techdirt Team


Reader Comments

Subscribe: RSS

View by: Time | Thread


  • identicon
    Anonymous Coward, 22 Jun 2004 @ 12:11pm

    No Subject Given

    Hey Mike,

    How about a link back to the story you posted a while back about how Verizon has bilked Pennsylvania residents out of tons of money by promising high speed internet access to all homes ?

    Verizon hasn't had a single complaint because they are an unethical company and wouldn't admit to it if they did in the first place.

    VERIZON SUCKS DONKEY _ _ _ _ !

    CAN YOU HERE ME NOW VERIZON ?

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    thanks, 22 Jun 2004 @ 12:34pm

    get the word out - adware advertisers are bad

    Companies that use adware/spyware are just as bad as the adware/spyware companies themselves. Just as companies that use spam for marketing purposes are bad. And in both cases the propaganda and public misconception is that only shady companies use these services. But as we all know, the big companies use spam and spyware to market their services too. Which is why the problem is so big - there is big money involved.

    The more publicity this gets the better. (Bad) Publicity showing these big companies using these shady practices is what will stop/solve these problems more effectively than legislation.

    link to this | view in chronology ]


Follow Techdirt
Essential Reading
Techdirt Deals
Report this ad  |  Hide Techdirt ads
Techdirt Insider Discord

The latest chatter on the Techdirt Insider Discord channel...

Loading...
Recent Stories

This site, like most other sites on the web, uses cookies. For more information, see our privacy policy. Got it
Close

Email This

This feature is only available to registered users. Register or sign in to use it.