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Thread ID: 59781	2005-07-12 13:25:00	So What Exactly Is "Spyware"?	vinref (6194)	PC World Chat

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
371619	2005-07-12 13:25:00	In this article (wired.com) from Wired, the Anti-Spyware Coalition has set a definition of spyware in order to create legislation against it. It defines spyware as software that: "impairs users' control over material changes that affect their user experience, privacy or system security; use of their system resources, including what programs are installed on their computers; or collection, use and distribution of their personal or otherwise sensitive information." The definition seems a bit too amiguous and indeterminate. A few page loads of fine print disclaimers with an "Accept" button at the end is enough to dodge being qualified as spyware.	vinref (6194)
371620	2005-07-12 13:41:00	But spyware ranges from the Exploiting a flaw to install silently through to the Bad designed program with no uninstaller... Yep if you tell the end user what your program does (mentioning such things as what data it sends to third parties, ads etc) and have a user initiated install procedure then you aren't spyware. Might still be a completely useless program though :D	gibler (49)
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