Spyware/Adware Controversy Heats Up

FTC Commissioner Mozelle Thompson was blasted yesterday during an congressional appearance for suggesting that "Self-regulation combined with enforcement of existing laws might be the best way to go" in the U.S. government's approach to the debate over ad-supported software.

While Thompson's view might be unpopular with folks who have had their computers illegally infected by malicious code, I think it makes sense to avoid lumping in permission-based adware with spyware. Advertising can be a component of a legitimate revenue model for software developers, and it would be a shame to introduce overbroad laws that would cause developers to shun it.

While definitions tend to vary, thankfully many news stories I've seen on this topic lately are starting to distinguish between permission-based adware and malicious, force-installed spyware. That's an important distinction, and if we don't start making it, we run the risk of seeing new bills introduced that might make it difficult for legit adware companies to do business.

Posted by tomhespos, April 30, 2004 11:31 AM | | TrackBack