The Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT), a nonprofit technology group, has asked the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to stop 180solutions, Inc. from distributing software deployed using "deceptive and unfair" methods to generate pop-up ads.
180solutions develops adware products such as Zango Search Assistant and Seekmo Search Assistant, which generate pop-up ads. Like most adware distributors, the company asserts that users have consented to be bombarded with such ads.
The CDT asserts that 180solutions isn't aggressive enough in policing its distribution partners. Often adware/spyware developers will rely on other companies or individuals to distribute their products. Some of those distribution partners will use surreptitious means to install the adware on a system. When confronted about such nefarious practices, the developer can blame the distributor and claim it doesn't countenance such practices. The CDT cites CJB Management, Inc., which provides free web hosting services, as an example of how a 180solutions distributor misleads consumers who visit CJB websites. People who visit CJB websites are notified to expect advertising, but aren't told software will be installed on their systems that continuously monitors their Internet activities in order to send targetted ads to them.
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Group Asks FTC to Stop Software Developer
By Anick Jesdanun AP Internet Writer
January 23, 2006
