My favorite part is the Direct Revenue response to Spitzer's Spectacular:

http://www.direct-revenue.com/news23.php

Quote: "The OAG knows that none of the challenged practices have been in use for at least six months and that this case will change nothing about our business model going forward."

Ah, if only this was a defense in other crimes: "The prosecutor knows that I have not killed anyone for at least six months, and I do not intend to kill anyone going forward, given that the feds are onto me now."
Dave | Homepage | 04.04.06 - 10:57 pm | #

Well, you have to remember, that if someone finds out that something they are doing is illegal, but they didn't know WHILE they were doing it because the law wasn't widely known, they have an out there for 'selective prosecution'.

Since Direct Revenue changed their business practices, it would be unfair to hold them accountable for something that they didn't know was illegal.

It is also unfair to compare what they do, spyware and adware, to killing, because as far as I know, no one has EVER gotten directly killed from spyware or adware.

Had a conniption fit, yes, died, no.
Christopher | 04.05.06 - 4:34 am | #

Nice to see one shutting it's doors and another getting thier asses sued off all in a week's time. Very enjoyable.
I like the fact that the court may order DR to pay $500 per install and $2000 in some other cases per install. Please let it bankrupt these bastards....
Paul | 04.05.06 - 4:45 am | #

Oh sorry i didnt know it was against the Law.........
that ranks alongside .I was only obeying Orders . as a good copout
Direct Revenue fully deserves everything they get and more they need to learn that there are people out here who will not stand for their brand of Crud...
so mr Direct Revenue send someone round to my House please
Anonymous | 04.05.06 - 6:33 pm | #

And now it comes out about some of the "pressures" front-line anti-spyware researchers get...I only expect it to get worse as more cyber thugs get involved.
Wayne Porter | Homepage | 04.05.06 - 8:44 pm | #

I hope this is just a start for Mr Spitzer's legal bulldogs. As part of the settlement or verdict these 4 unethical wanks should be made to repair DR Adware infested systems in their jail cells 10 hours a day. They don't get out till the last Adware/Spyware bundle and BHO drive-by install ceases to infest consumers systems.
Reformed Adwhore | 04.06.06 - 2:48 am | #

Hey, I don't support these adware and spyware companies, frankly I think they are assholes for even OFFERING this stuff that can be exploited, but what they do is NOT illegal.

If they were closing their eyes at one time to people doing 'drive-by' installs of their products, they AREN'T doing it anymore!

Anyone who is found installing this shit illegally, they are sued and arrested, usually with cooperation from the adware companies themselves.

A better question would be "Why are these drive-by installs even POSSIBLE?"

It seems that Microsoft was not doing their job when they made IE6. I have YET to get a virus or spyware with IE7 and Windows Defender installed, so they are doing a good job of correcting their mistakes.
Christopher | 04.06.06 - 5:21 am | #

Hey paperghost get on aim sometime please its quite important - thanks
RinCe | 04.06.06 - 4:35 pm | #

My AIM is currently hosed, you'll have to email me. i'm trying to get it up and running again but with little luck so far
Paperghost | Homepage | 04.06.06 - 7:29 pm | #

@ Christopher:
> A better question would be "Why are these drive-by installs even POSSIBLE?"

"The default security level is Medium."
Mark Odell | 04.08.06 - 4:57 am | #