Movie firm harasses users with spyware

Film download service accused of using spyware strongarm tactics.

Washington state has brought an action against a firm called Movieland.com, after complaints that the company's free trial was accompanied by 'spyware' and pop-up software, which aggressively bombarded users with demands that they sign up for a paid service.

The service claimed their software was spyware- and virus-free, but users found the hourly full-screen pop-ups demanding payment so intrusive they complained in droves. The parent company, which operates several download websites, is being sued under dedicated anti-spyware legislation brought in by the state last year, as well as consumer protection laws.

Read more at SC Magazine or at ComputerWorld.

16 August 2006