By
Contributing Writer, RealTechNews
Now who would’ve thought this could happen, other than, anyone who was ever infected with a product. Known spyware hunter Ben Edelman has released his findings in how well Zango is sticking to the FTC settlement, how did it go for Zango? Not too Good! In fact, some of the problems he saw are remarkably widespread, including installations syndicated across the web via top ad networks.
In my hands-on testing, Zango continues numerous practices likely to confuse, deceive, or otherwise harm typical users as well as practices specifically contrary to Zango’s obligations under its November 2006 settlement with the FTC.
Among these practices are widespread, ongoing Zango-designed installation sequences which install Zango pop-up ad software without any on-screen disclosure of material terms. Instead, these installations mention Zango’s effects only in a lengthy EULA – exactly contrary to the FTC settlement’s requirements.
Zango’s ongoing practices also include prominent pop-up ads promoting sites that attempt to defraud users (e.g. by charging for software that is actually free), as well as widespread in-toolbar ads without the labeling and hyperlinks specifically required under the FTC settlement.
This article summarizes selected incidents I have recently observed. In particular:
- Widespread Zango “ActiveX†Installations without Unavoidable, Prominent Disclosure of Material Terms (XP SP1 and Earlier).
- Widespread Zango Banner-Based Installations without Unavoidable, Prominent Disclosure of Material Terms (XP SP2).
- Ongoing Zango Installations with No Disclosure Whatsoever.
- Unlabeled Zango Ads – Toolbars, Desktop Icons, and Pop-Ups.
- Zango Ads for Bogus Sites that Attempt to Defraud Users.
These practices call into question the integrity of Zango’s business, as well as the status of Zango’s compliance with its obligations under its recent settlement with the FTC. Source:
We Say: As Ben said in his write-up, I await a tough and effective response from the FTC. Wrapping some posts together for it here, .
As I see it, the FTC has time and time again demonstrated a lack of interest and will power to take corrective actions when it’s clearly needed. Why? Because doing so would threaten the rapid growth of the Web, eCommerce, online advertising, etc.
If you think about it (and are willing to play along with my theory) this says a LOT about the size and scope of adware, spyware, spam and the like.
It’s a vital part of the online advertising economy — so much so that the FTC will pretend it can’t do anything (or will take pathetic actions that don’t have any impact).
Should we be surprised in an age where Google is on such good terms with fraudsters and extortionists that they give them a pass?
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The FTC only acts when there is a lot of noise from vocal group(s) or the ‘event’ is high exposure. If Howard Stern said a no-no, then they were all over him. A slip at the halftime show for the Super Bowl? Wow, do they move fat.
Until there is organized pressure on Government to take action, nothing will be done.
[...] In case you haven’t seen it, Ben Edelman is taking Zango to task over some of their current install practices… [...]
Jimmy
I always appreciate your posts on this subject. There are too few voices.
As an example of my point (my prior post) take a look at the Entertainment Software Association against a few people who they feel are costing them money.
Now look at the list of the association’s members:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Entertainment_Software_Association
Some pretty big names mixed in there. When they feel their systems are hijacked and their pockets being picked directly, they scream. When the general public has their systems hijacked, the big players stay mute.
If Gates picked up the phone tomorrow and said ‘Senator, I would like something done’, how fast do you think the FTC would act?
Freud, I certainly agree with you, either the government is going to have to stop it, or the merchants who make money by advertising, etc with spyware/adware are going to have to stop using them so the money dries up.