What are the ethics and laws regarding spyware?

[damocles]

The way it seems at the moment we are at risk on being afflicted with spyware everytime we install a program. Some one say that spyware is potentially a benefit but the reality is that nobody should be able to install a program that monitors our habits without us knowing it.

Furthermore it seems that when we uninstall the original program, the spyware elements may be left behind. Without the use of programs like Adaware and Zone Alarm we would be oblivious to the information uploaded from our PCs

The potential for spyware to get worse and worse (at least in some countries) is somewhat worrying

Does anyone know much about this topic?

 

[Kelvrick]

Yes, learn how to program and make your own! That way, you can spy on yourself!

Ok, seriously though, just get zone alarm and you don't have to worry about it. I think someone will discover it sooner or later and the company will pay through the negative media coverage and such though. They won't try it with all these programmers jobless at home with nothing to do but cause trouble for the guys wiht jobs.

 

[Jeff7]

Lawmakers are probably too damn stupid to make laws about that stuff. They're too busy nailing people for using computers productively (David McOwen) and other useless crap like that. We need a tech department in the government, and we need to be sure that Bill Gates is not one of the members.
Anandtech's premier members could be on the panel.

 

[damocles]

I use zone alarm and adaware. It's just that its freaky how many things they pick up. Imesh and Audiogalaxy install spyware as a matter of course. The thing is 99% of users probably don't know they are there.

 

[helpme]

Well... I mean, I guess it depends if it just monitors what the program that it came with is doing... Or looking at your whole system.

 

[GoldenGuppy]

damocles - A topic that has many of its roots in today's society

The thing that comes to mind when you say this is the idea of law enforcement officials having the power to govern/see what we do behind our own walls via taps and cameras... they have the excuse that , "We are doing it strictly for your benefit and/or the benefit of those around you" - however, what is to stop them from violating your privacy?

There's gotta be a fine line that's drawn between when you're protecting and when you are violating... however, this line will never be established... at least I think so - because no matter what the agency, no matter what the field... there will always be corrupt members/officials.

Technological advances aren't making these situations any easier either... w/ every way there is a counter.... and that's definitely not safe in our society today.

)(GG)

 

[damocles]

The government is one thing and even then they are subject to 'ethical' considerations with this regard.

However what about some corporate dude who in 'theory' could have a direct link in to any of our computers.

As an example i was looking at buying golf clubs a little while back. Just browsing the web etc. Suddenly i received emails everyday telling me where i can get 'great deals' on clubs. I'm not sure where somebody got this info but it is a little freaky

 

[GoldenGuppy]

<< As an example i was looking at buying golf clubs a little while back. Just browsing the web etc. Suddenly i received emails everyday telling me where i can get 'great deals' on clubs. I'm not sure where somebody got this info but it is a little freaky >>



I'm sure you just registered somewhere... and one way or another, somebody got a hold of your email and are spamming you w/ a bunch of golfing things... most likely might have entered something personal at one of your golf sites to tick off this trend. Happens all the time.

They have spam guards which basically solve your problem - damn it just sucks when you have 200 new messages... and 198 of them are about teen girls or a trip to the Bahamas.

)(GG)

 

[zweistein]

The reason for spyware is that all these companies (bearshare et. al.) started out and figured that by getting millions of users it would somehow (magically) turn into money ... EVENTHOUGH that had no idea how this would happen. Well, of course it didn't .... so they went to something else and sold their users down the river.

 

[Moonbeam]

It will get interesting when the chips are in our head and can tell what we are thinking. Big brother will know who was at every crime scene and where every dollar gets spent. No more tqx evasion. No more crime. Conservatives will hate it.

 

[xaigi]

<< As an example i was looking at buying golf clubs a little while back. Just
browsing the web etc. Suddenly i received emails everyday telling me where i can
get 'great deals' on clubs. I'm not sure where somebody got this info but it is a
little freaky >>


Most browsers transmit your name &amp; email address as a matter of course.

 

[Shudder]

Just an update on Audiogalaxy..

Their newest one actually tells you what it's installing.. So it says up front when gator is going to be installed (which you can deny) and when WebHancer is going to be installed (again, which you can deny).

I applaud audiogalaxy for at least giving us the option UP FRONT to not have spyware instead of having to rely on adaware to fix it for us.

iMesh, aside from not working when removing the spyware, is just a crap product anyway.