Anti-Spyware Coalition Definitions and Supporting Documents

Short Description
The Anti-Spyware Coalition views these documents as the first step in an ongoing ….. For example, we refer to the group as the Anti-Spyware Coalition and …

Website: www.antispywarecoalition.org | Filesize: 110kb

Content
Public Comment Document - Comments Due August 12, 2005
Anti-Spyware Coalition
Definitions and Supporting Documents
Spyware is increasingly becoming one of the Internet’s most prevalent threats. Computer
users are looking for ways to regain control over their own computers. Many find themselves
in a constant battle against programs that sneak onto their computers, track their online
activities, open security holes, impair the performance and stability of their systems, disrupt
their computer use with unwanted advertising, or frustrate their attempts to remove or disable
these behaviors. These programs find their way onto computers through deceptive
installations and bundling arrangements with unmanaged third-party distributors, by
exploiting security holes, through social engineering and through diverse other means.
In the face of this threat, the technology industry has provided technical solutions and
together with consumer advocates produced educational materials for consumers. Antispyware
companies offer software to alert consumers about spyware and other potentially
unwanted technologies, and to help block or remove them. These companies exercise their
critical judgment to give consumers guidance about what software they may want and what
software they might wish to avoid. By providing this service, the companies offering antispyware
software strive to advance transparency and user control….