Spyware - Why isn't it illegal?

talk random
1

I was just thinking about this. How can somebody install software on your computer and not tell you about it? I mean I realize that some put it in their “read this and agree, or you can’t install” policy, but alot of software containing spyware doesn’t do this.

I also think that if a piece of software contains spyware, it should state exactly what it contains, what it is sending out, ect.

2

Well, heres a simple rule to follow:

only download software that you know does not containing spyware.

Just avoid it altogether. Even with a law preventing this, it wouldn’t stop these people. Unless its explicitly said that it doesn’t contain spyware, don’t download/trust it.

3

I agree. I hate those mofos and their software. I had so much trouble getting rid of this winnet.exe file from Gain I wrote them like 10 real nasty (when I say nasty, I mean NASTY!) emails just to vent my frustration. If anyone read them they probably got a good laugh.

4

Hehe NASTY emails never do any good but they’re really good to get rid of anger! I love sending them to junk mail senders, especially if they provide a free envalope thingy. I usual mention things like they should get real jobs, insult their manhoods etc :stuck_out_tongue:

5

*Originally posted by Colin Campbell *
**Well, heres a simple rule to follow:

only download software that you know does not containing spyware.

Just avoid it altogether. Even with a law preventing this, it wouldn’t stop these people. Unless its explicitly said that it doesn’t contain spyware, don’t download/trust it. **

Sounds easy enough, but some programs say they don’t contain spyware, when they in fact do. They get away with this by calling it adware and other names that are basically the same thing.

How can you know for sure that a program does not contain spyware? You can’t.

6

*Originally posted by RedMirrorBall *
**I was just thinking about this. How can somebody install software on your computer and not tell you about it? I mean I realize that some put it in their “read this and agree, or you can’t install” policy, but alot of software containing spyware doesn’t do this.

I also think that if a piece of software contains spyware, it should state exactly what it contains, what it is sending out, ect. **

Ah, but you are technically the one installing the software. The spyware “portion” of whatever you think you are installing can just be considered a part of the whole. The TOS usually covers that kind of stuff if anyone bothers reading it… at least for legit software.

7

TOS is a joke. It’s written in the language of lawyers and is just a giant disclaimer that basically says, if this software wants it will assimilate your computer to the borg collective.

8

That’s it! I’m pissed off again. I’m writing Gain again! Those sonofa…guns