This Software Is Spyware Free
from the what-about-Sony-BMG-CDs? dept
A group of big internet companies are apparently teaming up to certify downloadable software to make sure it's "consumer-friendly and non-invasive" (read: spyware free). The testing will be done by TRUSTe, who is known for reviewing e-commerce websites for trustworthiness. However, while that system (which results in sites getting a little logo they can paste on their sites) has had mixed results, the way this program is set up may be more effective. It's not about giving the software publishers a seal of approval to publicly show off -- but to create an overall list of safe applications. Then, sites that aggregate programs for download can make sure they only offer programs that made it onto the list. Even more importantly, companies that advertise in some of these software programs can look through the list to make sure they only advertise on "consumer friendly" applications. What's not clear, however, is what criteria the testing labs will use to test whether or not the software really is consumer friendly. Obviously, this could lead to some arguments -- but overall, it sounds like a good first step in setting up some incentives for software developers to be more consumer friendly and for advertisers to avoid supporting those who miss the mark.
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Great
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Good plan, but...
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Re: Good plan, but...
Also, as the post points out, this may also be used to help advertisers know where not to put their ad dollars, which hopefully will take some of the money out of the worst offenders' pockets.
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If it takes off...
Then a check could be added to browsers download manager to query the database and prevent software not registered. With a littel support form M$ and Moz, Joe consumer could be effectively protected from downloading trojans with their new IM toolbar.
Is there some kind of encrypted key to identify valid copies of software though, or is it just literally a list of program names?
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TRUSTe?
From the article: "The testing will be done by TRUSTe, who is known for reviewing e-commerce websites for trustworthiness."
I beg to differ. TRUSTe is known for allowing their member companies to do whatever they want. TRUSTe is a complete joke, they have zero credibility.
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Re: TRUSTe?
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Better than nothin' huh?
Personally, if I know that a company advertises in this manner, I make sure to AVOID doing business with them.
There have been situations in the past where legitimate companies unknowingly advertise with a company that uses adware so this "certification" should help all companies to steer clear of them now.
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TRUSTe is *not* Trustworthy
http://www.benedelman.org/spyware/exact-advertisers/truste.html
http://www.benedelman.org/spywa re/ns8/
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