CNET’s Download.com Finally Eliminates Spyware from Its Site

By David Johnston
Contributing Writer, RealTechNews.com

I was pleasantly surprised today when I visited CNet’s download.com web site. This website has been one of my primary sources of new and interesting freeware and shareware ever since I can remember because it has basically any software you can think of. Maybe a year or two ago, however, I noticed something disturbing about the site; they were openly promoting spyware in the “CNet Reccomends” advertisement section. In this case it was one of the most infamous pieces of spyware to grace the internet: MyWebSearch.

When I saw this, I was appalled that CNet would ever think of endorsing a program that would do more harm to their customers’ computers than good. I wrote a complaint to them and got one of the generic responses which indicated that they weren’t taking any action on this matter. However, a few months after I submitted my dissapproving letter I noticed that they started to add small warnings at the bottom of all of their spyware downloads telling the downloader that the program came bundled with spyware. They had also stopped advertising spyware programs on their main page and later even started a “Spyware Center” where one could download programs like AdAware and Spybot Search & Destroy to rid themselves of spyware. This was the direction I was hoping for, but they still had a ways to go to completely remove spyware from their site. Well, it seems like my prayers have been answered because today there is a notice on the site that says they have removed all spyware and programs containing spyware or adware from their website. Way to go download.com! Here’s the text of the letter:

“Dear Downloaders,

When it comes to fighting unwanted adware and spyware, CNET Download.com has always been in your corner. During the past few years, we’ve brought you the best tools and tips in our Spyware Center, and we’ve maintained a strict policy toward adware by allowing only software that discloses advertising partnerships during installation.

This week, we’ve upped the ante: we’re launching a new zero-tolerance policy toward all *bundled* adware. That means every time you download software from Download.com, you can trust we’ve tested it and found it to be adware-free–period. (See how we test
.)

Why are we taking this extra step? In your letters, user reviews, and polls, you told us bundled adware was unacceptable–no matter how harmless it might be. We want you to know what you’re getting when you download from CNET Download.com, and no other download site can promise you will.

Can we guarantee you’ll never get adware or spyware on your computer?
Unfortunately, no. For that reason, we strongly encourage–no, make that /beg/–you to take extra steps to keep your computer free of all unwanted adware and spyware. Download and install a reputable antispyware scanner today. For a list of the ones we recommend, please visit our Spyware Center”