Great news! Microsoft is trying to eliminate some of the spyware distribution sites that sneak onto our computer systems, unwanted software that we did not give our consent to, or that we have been deceived into downloading. This can only benefit we the consumers and hopefully will make our computing experience more enjoyable. I look forward to reading more stories such as this in the very near future.
“Microsoft on Tuesday filed suit against an individual, Timothy Taylor, and others, accusing them of distributing spyware. Word of the action comes on the same day that the U.S. Federal Trade Commission said a federal court shut down the operations of ERG Ventures and Taylor, who is described as an ERG affiliate.

Microsoft accuses Taylor and the others in its suit of using screen savers and other seemingly benign programs as Trojan horses to surreptitiously install unwanted software on people’s computers.

Microsoft helped the FTC in its case against the alleged spyware pushers and seeks damages from defendants on the grounds that their installation practices violate the Washington Computer Spyware Act and the Washington Consumer Protection Act.

Many of the programs used by the defendants were presented as screen savers showing pictures of well-known celebrities such as Jessica Simpson, Microsoft said.”

Tags: spyware, screen, savers, ftc, microsoft, washington, download, internet