Re: [projectvrm] An incentive to be somewhat VRM-y

[John Wunderlich < >]

Are we seeing the nanny state being overtaken by the nanny corporation?

John Wunderlich

Privacist @PrivacyCDN

On 24 February 2015 at 08:29, T.Rob < " target="_blank"> > wrote:

According to Help Net Security, Google Chrome users now see a giant red box when clicking on search results that lead to web sites "geared towards delivering adware, 'helpful' toolbars, and other unwanted software."  

 

They go on to explain that "deceptive sites will also be clearly labeled as such when they turn up in Google search results.  And, finally, Google ads for these sites will be disabled by Google itself."

http://iopt.us/1B8vEz8

http://www.google.com/about/company/unwanted-software-policy.html?hl=en

 

At the page linked below, Google lays out their criteria for "unwanted" software:

 

We’ve found that most unwanted software displays one or more of the same basic characteristics:

 

·       It is deceptive, promising a value proposition that it does not meet.

·       It tries to trick users into installing it or it piggybacks on the installation of another program.

·       It doesn’t tell the user about all of its principal and significant functions.

·       It affects the user’s system in unexpected ways.

·       It is difficult to remove.

·       It collects or transmits private information without the user’s knowledge.

·       It is bundled with other software and its presence is not disclosed.

 

http://iopt.us/1Gos4RI

http://www.net-security.org/secworld.php?id=17996

 

On the one hand, this provides a strong incentive for transparency and fair dealing by software vendors and web sites if it applied consistently.  On the other hand, does anyone here believe it will be applied consistently?  Every time I update Java I'm told how many billions of devices it runs on, right before the screen where it tries to install whatever toolbar Oracle is hucking these days.  Somehow I don't imagine Google throwing this warning up in front of Oracle's web site when I search for "Java update" but I suppose I have to now install Chrome and test it.  However, Joe's Widgets had better not do the exact same thing.

 

Kind regards,

-- T.Rob

 

I have availability! For a good time (with IBM MQ) call:

T.Robert Wyatt, Managing partner

IoPT Consulting, LLC

+1 704-443-TROB (8762) Voice/Text

+44 (0) 8714 089 546  Voice

https://ioptconsulting.com

https://twitter.com/tdotrob

 

This email and any files transmitted with it are confidential and intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to whom they are addressed. If you have received this email in error please notify the system manager. This message contains confidential information and is intended only for the individual named. If you are not the named addressee you should not disseminate, distribute or copy this e-mail. Please notify the sender immediately by e-mail if you have received this e-mail by mistake and delete this e-mail from your system. If you are not the intended recipient you are notified that disclosing, copying, distributing or taking any action in reliance on the contents of this information is strictly prohibited.