Spyware Civil Suit

New York sues internet marketer over "spyware"

[Stefan]

There's an interesting item in the NY Times technology section today. It can be found via the main page:
[nytimes.com...]
<added> Business Week direct link [businessweek.com] </added>

It sounds like the NY attorney general had a long session of trying to remove some spyware/adware from his computer, and got so annoyed he's on a mission to fry the guys who did it to him.

Personally, I hope he nails them to the wall. The most amazing thing is that that particular bunch, who have apparently been merrily hijacking people's computers for years, are listed on the American Stock Exchange. It makes you wonder if there's also a "Burglars-R-Us" listing.

[edited by: pmac at 6:09 pm (utc) on April 28, 2005]
[edit reason] added link [/edit]

[hannamyluv]

Spitzer is well known for going after Internet junk. He has filed lawsuits against several companies for spam and I believe has also gone after serveral phishers/identity thiefs.

This country really needs more people like him if they expect to make the internet "a safe place to visit". Most law enforcement agencies just want to stay out of it because they don't understand it and don't want to take the time to understand it. Mr. Spitzer is one of the few that has taken the bull by the horns and has made a difference (IMO).

[beren]

^ Agreed. The New York Attorney General's office has done a lot in recent years for ordinary people/consumers. And they prosecute in New York, but their actions have implications nationwide.

I know Spitzer is a politician running for governor, but I don't care. He's one of the good guys in government today. I don't live in New York, but if I did, I'd vote for him.

[MatthewHSE]

I don't like most of the things Spitzer stands for, but if he does this one right I'm behind it. I never had a spyware problem myself, but I've sure had to help people clean up a lot of messes! (Although I've heard that most people normally figure it's their computer, which makes them throw the thing away eventually and buy a new one...)

[Leosghost]

S'on the front page here too ..

[pmac]

Continued here [webmasterworld.com].