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Spyware defined

Industry group attempts to agree on a definition for spyware

The Anti-Spyware Coalition has proposed a solution to the tricky conundrum that is how to define spyware, and is inviting public comment.

The Coalition, which is made up of industry members including AOL, EarthLink, Yahoo!, Computer Associates, McAfee, Trend Micro and Microsoft (for a full list see www.antispywarecoalition.org), describes spyware as follows:

Spyware and other potentially unwanted technologies: 'those that impair 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 coalition has also drafted

• a glossary of terms including 'adware', 'port scanner' and 'screen scraper'
• a list of tips for consumers on how to avoid downloading unwanted programs
• details of the dispute resolution process in cases where software vendors believe their product has been unfairly labelled by anti-spyware products.

The document containing the Coalition's proposals can be downloaded from the ASC's website. The deadline for public comment is 12 August 2005, following which the ASC will respond to comments and produce a final document later in the year.

13 July 2005

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