Microsoft Irks Watchdogs with Claria Downgrade Explanation

[moneoa]

Microsoft has broken its silence over the decision to downgrade the default recommendations in its Windows AntiSpyware product, insisting that "absolutely no exceptions" were made for Claria Corp.

Facing heavy criticisms for recommending that users "ignore" the existence of Claria's adware products, Microsoft Corp. issued a public statement to explain that the change stemmed from a review that was based on a single set of objective criteria.

"[We] decided that adjustments should be made to the classification of Claria software in order to be fair and consistent with how Windows AntiSpyware handles similar software from other vendors," Microsoft said.

Anti-spyware advocates first discovered the Claria default changes immediately after rumors swirled that Microsoft was in acquisition talks with the Redwood City, Calif.-based distributor of the controversial Gator ad-serving software, but although Redmond won't confirm or deny the rumors, the statement made it clear the Claria downgrade occurred more than three months ago.

"All software is reviewed under the same objective criteria, detection policies and analysis process. Absolutely no exceptions were made for Claria. Windows AntiSpyware continues to notify our users when Claria software is found on a computer, and it offers our users the option to remove the software if they desire," the company added.

In an interview, corporate vice president at Microsoft's Security Business and Technology Unit Mike Nash said the downgrading of the Claria rating had nothing to do with any kind of rumored acquisition.

While he said he could not comment on acquisition rumors in any way, Nash said his team is "hard-core religious about the definitions [of spyware], independent of anything else going on."

"They are pure. They will not be messed with," Nash said. "We've had some interesting learning on the anti-spyware product front. We took our time to define our parameters on what is spyware vs. software. We published a white paper on this a couple months ago."

He also noted that Microsoft doesn't always downgrade ratings. "Sometimes we bump up from moderate to high."



Read the complete article (http://www.zeropaid.com/news/5547/Microsoft+Irks+Watchdogs+with+Claria+Downgrade+Exp lanation/)

[phalkon30]

Claria/gator has been very active about getting thier name off any sh** list they're put on. I'm really not surprised to see this.

One problem (from what I remember of the program), is not that it "spys on you", but it gives you pop ups. Spyware doesn't necessarily have popups.

Adware on the other hand is designed to give advertisements. Microsoft's program is called "Antispyware", not "Antiadware". In a sense, I think they're right.

If you disagree with the decision, DON'T USE THEIR PROGRAM. There are plenty of other programs that are much better (like spybot, adaware, and pestpatrol).

[moneoa]

This is typical MS bullshit and if I were you I would consider how a MS aquisition of Claria would really bring a nightmare to the windows operation system.

Remember once MS buys Claria its not "spyware" it's an in house approved part of the operating system.
This makes me bring up something else. As much as the aquisition of Giant was to get their ad-ware removal technology consider that the purchase of Claria could be because they want to build in tracking for computer use and internet in longhorn. MS would become one of the big boys in ad targeting and delivery.

Now lets talk about how fucking repulsive MS is getting

[riderx]

This is typical MS bullshit and if I were you I would consider how a MS aquisition of Claria would really bring a nightmare to the windows operation system.

Remember once MS buys Claria its not "spyware" it's an in house approved part of the operating system.
This makes me bring up something else. As much as the aquisition of Giant was to get their ad-ware removal technology consider that the purchase of Claria could be because they want to build in tracking for computer use and internet tracking. MS would become one of the big boys in ad targeting and delivery.

Now lets talk about how fucking repulsive MS is getting
u going doggie on whom?
from your avatar

[ivand67]

This is typical MS bullshit and if I were you I would consider how a MS aquisition of Claria would really bring a nightmare to the windows operation system.

Remember once MS buys Claria its not "spyware" it's an in house approved part of the operating system.
This makes me bring up something else. As much as the aquisition of Giant was to get their ad-ware removal technology consider that the purchase of Claria could be because they want to build in tracking for computer use and internet in longhorn. MS would become one of the big boys in ad targeting and delivery.

Now lets talk about how fucking repulsive MS is getting

They reached the maximum level of repulsiveness years ago already.

Rotten dog shit mixed in a blender with Bam Margera's cooked vomit > Microsoft.

[ducttapeBigSexy]

I'm going to hold myself back from ranting here, but just one thing: I decided a while ago that I would never - ever - give Microsoft any more money. But, even then, for free, their stuff is barely worth it. But, I guess this is what happens when you become a monopoly...

[Milkman Dan]

Blargh. I hadn't checked until I read this article, but I noticed Microsoft Antispyware added Grokster to the list of Ignored spyware threats in the Spyware Scan options. That's just fucking cheap.

[drei]

Claria/gator has been very active about getting thier name off any sh** list they're put on. I'm really not surprised to see this.

One problem (from what I remember of the program), is not that it "spys on you", but it gives you pop ups. Spyware doesn't necessarily have popups.

Adware on the other hand is designed to give advertisements. Microsoft's program is called "Antispyware", not "Antiadware". In a sense, I think they're right.

If you disagree with the decision, DON'T USE THEIR PROGRAM. There are plenty of other programs that are much better (like spybot, adaware, and pestpatrol).

Adware and spyware are all lumped into the same group. That's why spybot, adaware,pestpatrol and MS Antispyware block ads as well.

[Smoovious]

Remember once MS buys Claria its not "spyware" it's an in house approved part of the operating system.

... at which point, Windows then becomes adware... only, not as well supported ...