By a WALL STREET JOURNAL Staff Reporter
August 29, 2006; Page D4
NEW YORK -- The software powering AOL's new free service has been labeled
"badware" by a nonprofit watchdog group, in another public-relations blow for
the Time Warner Inc. Internet unit.
StopBadware.org said it put the free version of AOL 9.0 on its "Badware Watch
List" because it is bundled with several software programs -- including several
media players, an AOL browser toolbar and an AOL "Deskbar" -- that are installed
without proper disclosure or consent of users.
The software also adds buttons to users' Internet Explorer default toolbars and
to their "Favorites" lists without disclosure or consent, the StopBadware.org
said.
AOL spokesman Andrew Weinstein said the company would improve the disclosures it
provides during installation of its software. The improvements have already been
added to a new version of its software slated for release in the next few
months, he said. It disputed StopBadware's claims that some of its software
couldn't be fully removed.
StopBadware is led by The Berkman Center and the Oxford Internet Institute and
advised by the nonprofit Consumers Union. Its funders include Google Inc., Sun
Microsystems Inc. and Lenovo Group Inc.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB115681681897648032.html?mod=djemTECH
