Google has had ENOUGH of Spyware ...

A proposal to help fight deceptive Internet software

[Shak]

At Google, we put a lot of thought into improving your online experience. We're alarmed by what we believe is a growing disregard for your rights as computer users. We've seen increasing reports of spyware and other applications that trick you in order to serve you pop-up ads, connect your modem to expensive toll numbers or hijack your browser from the site you're trying to visit.

[google.com...]

Shak

[jaski]

I like it. An idea whose time has come.

[robotsdobetter]

Good find!

[4eyes]

hmmm....

I would somewhat more impressed if they saw fit to explain EXACTLY what they do with the toolbar data they collect.

[whizkiddo]

well at least the spyware removers they linked to are some of the best, I was looking for an excellent freeware since the last month and these fit the bill perfectly. Thanx G!

[loanuniverse]

I would somewhat more impressed if they saw fit to explain EXACTLY what they do with the toolbar data they collect.

[toolbar.google.com...]

"...Google may collect information about web pages that you are viewing when the advanced functionality is enabled. However, this advanced functionality is optional, and can be easily disabled and re-enabled at any time ...."

[Chndru]

Good find, Shak.
mm.. They should add HijackThis to that list :)

[willybfriendly]

I would somewhat more impressed if they saw fit to explain EXACTLY what they do with the toolbar data they collect

Yeah, and the permanent cookie they slip in unannounced. Why is that there?

WBF

[Teknorat]

"Application providers should not allow their products to be bundled with applications that do not meet these guidelines."
-Then why did they bundle the toolbar with Real?
Rather than whining here however I'm going to send them an email as they requested and tell them.

[rcjordan]

>Google has had ENOUGH of Spyware ...

But Yahoo STEALS their thunder...

[webmasterworld.com...]

[Stefan]

It's all well and good, and something that 99% of us agree with, but other than giving links to Spybot etc, what is the point of that page? Did it say somewhere that G will ban scumware sites?

We intend to follow these guidelines ourselves with the applications we distribute (such as the Google Toolbar and Google Deskbar).

Cool. I promise that we won't install spyware either. I also promise that we won't post links to sites that distribute scumware, something that G can't say.