Big Ads Add to Adware, Spyware

[Detector]

Source: eSecurityPlanet

Major Internet advertisers are financing -- sometimes unwittingly -- the spread of potentially harmful adware and spyware, according to a new Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT) finger pointing report.
The report targets mainstream advertisers whose ads appear through 180solutions, one of the world's largest developers of Internet advertising software.

Earlier this year, the CDT filed a complaint against the Bellevue, Wash.-based 180solutions with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), accusing 180solutions of "deliberately and repeatedly" engaging in illegal and deceptive spyware practices.

According to the CDT, once the software is installed, often without consent, it tracks users' online movements and displays often unwanted popup advertisements based on the sites they visit.

The CDT identified 20 well-known advertisers doing business with 180solutions and attempted to contact each about their advertising policies.

Companies not responding to the CDT's inquiries included True.com, PerfectMatch, Club Med Americas, uBid, ProFlowers, GreetingCards.com, NetZero, PeoplePC, Altrec and Waterfront Media.

Two companies responding to the CDT were eHarmony and Netflix. Both showed little concern for the issue.