AIM Spyware Debate Continues > Wildtangent

reply to djousma

Re: Wildtangent

Yes many people have, and I think the consensus is that it isn't doing anything other than sending usage statistics that are pertinent to their games. Which is listed in their licensing agreement

However, I think what keeps WT listed as spyware is that:

1. a long time ago they hid a text file deep in it's directory structure (somewhere where most people wouldn't look) that explained what it collected. While it seemed honest, people wondered why it was hidden. It was a dumb decision on WT's part.

and

2. It apparently is installed with AIM, without telling anyone or allowing them to view the licensing agreement. Another dumb decision on both WT's and AOL's part.

Finally I think that over the past few years the label of spyware has been expanded to mean Adware as well. Spyware originally meant software that sent back statistics that wasn't up front about what they were doing, meaning that as long as they told you they were going to do it and gave you the option to not install the software, then it wasn't spyware. Now it seems any software that sends back statistics at all is considered spyware. Hell, even software that has the audacity to include an autoupdate feature is considered spyware now.
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I think #2 is the biggest issue here. AIM should have included it as an option in the installer. ("Do you want the ability to play cool games in AOL Instant Messenger? If so, click yes to install WildTangent.") Instead, it gets installed silently with no option to the user. Sure, you can remove it from your PC, but it's much better to be able to keep it off in the first place.
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-Jason Levine
http://www.jasons-toolbox.com/
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reply to Combat Chuck

said by Combat Chuck:

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.. even software that has the audacity to include an autoupdate feature is considered spyware now.

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