Yahoo Plays Favorites With Some Adware

KingFishKingFish
edited July 2004 in Science & Tech
When it comes to blocking intrusive Internet software, Yahoo Inc.'s new Anti-Spy gives adware the benefit of the doubt.
The beta version of the spyware-fighting toolbar add-on, which Yahoo released last week, doesn't default to detect adware—a category of software in which Yahoo's paid search division has a financial stake. Instead, users who want to identify adware in their systems via Anti-Spy must check a box each time they conduct a scan. Among the programs the Sunnyvale, Calif., company classifies as adware are controversial ones from Claria Corp. (formerly The Gator Corp.) and WhenU.com Inc., two common targets of spyware critics who say the companies trick users into accepting unwanted downloads and flood machines with pop-up ads. With Claria, best known for its Gator eWallet application, Yahoo is also a business partner. Claria, based in Redwood City, Calif., delivers pop-up and other forms of advertising from its GAIN ad network through software downloaded onto users' machines.
Source: eWeek
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