(Note, the following
is an archived copy of the press release distributed in August of 2001. Unactive
links have been removed.)
PRESS RELEASE
-FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -
- AUGUST 19, 2001 -
Scumware.com launched due to escalating concerns over
a popular software program
The heavily trafficked and highly popular Jimworld.com network
of sites including gethightraffic.com & searchengineforums.com have responded
to growing concerns over potential copyright infringement & web surfer privacy
problems with the creation and launch of scumware.com.
Trabuco Canyon, CA. (August 19, 2001) – Jimworld.com a highly
popular web site announces the launch of scumware.com a comprehensive site which
addresses growing concerns over copyright infringement and questionable practices
of popular free software such as KaZaa Media Desktop, Surf+ and Gator.
KaZaa Media Desktop, Surf+ and Gator are free software programs
that can be easily downloaded and installed on your home PC. KaZaa Media Desktop
has been downloaded over 6.5 million times from the C/Net website alone and
many more times from countless other websites. However, unbeknownst to the user
the KaZaa (Top Text), Surf+ and Gator programs routinely use unethical practices
for advertising and tracking the surfing habits of their patrons (sometimes
known as spyware). As an example, KaZaa with the Top Text plug in, has been
found to unethically alter copyrighted site design with links to paying advertisers
created by yellow highlighting and underlines, which may not be appropriate
for the intended audience. Not only does this deprive the site owner of advertising
revenues and potential sales, it has also been documented that some of these
alterations may result in links to adult sites not suitable for young children
who may be using a computer with the program installed. These alterations may
also place links to products and services into “recommended” lists insinuating
that the website owner endorses that product. While using the program the software
continuously monitors and records surfing habits to track and record. Even worse,
this program provides vague opt-out language in Kazaa's installation dialog
and an inaccurate Top Text application description, causing average users to
believe that Top Text is necessary for KaZaa to function. The program is also
exceedingly difficult to remove and leaves Trojan-like components and files
behind after an uninstall which would allow the Top Text parent company Ezula,
Inc. to reinstall the program remotely without the users authority.
Responding to these concerns, the Jimworld.com network of sites
has launched scumware.com to provide information and services to web surfers,
website owners and advertisers about the potential problems associated with
these programs. The site provides comprehensive coverage of information and
discussions regarding the programs, links to advertisers who are using these
unethical practices, free software to completely remove the program and “extra”
files from your pc, links to associated sites, recent press coverage concerning
the programs and much more.
To visit the site and get all of the latest information: http://www.scumware.com
About Jimworld.com
Founded in 1994 By Jim Wilson, Jimworld.com is a comprehensive network of sites
devoted to internet development and is proud to have developed a global community
of over 300,000 webmasters.
