The FTC filed a suit against spyware distributors Seismic Entertainment Productions, SmartBot.net and Sanford Wallace.
The Complaint requests injunctive and equitable relief. The unfair practices include “Unfairly Changing Consumers’ Web Browsers,” “Unfairly Installing Advertising and Other Software Programs,” and “Unfairly Compelling Purchase of “Anti-Spyware” Software”
Memorandum in Support of Plaintiff’s Motion for a Temporary Restraining Order with Expedited Discovery, Preservation of Documents and Order to Show Cause Why a Preliminary Injunction Should Not Issue Against Defendants.
FTC Cracks down On Spyware Operation
The Federal Trade Commission has asked a U.S. District Court to shut down a spyware operation that hijacks computers, secretly changes their settings, barrages them with pop-up ads, and installs adware and other software programs that spy on consumers’ Web surfing. The spyware may cause computers to malfunction, slow down, or even crash. The FTC alleges the spyware operation violates federal law and will ask the court to bar the practices permanently and order the defendants to give up their ill-gotten gains.
NY Times reports: F.T.C. Files First Lawsuit Against Spyware Concerns
