IMRG on the case with Spyware

[Malcolm Cowley]

Tweet

Hi all

Thought you would like to see this - it was forwarded on to me from the recipient this morning and all looks very promising

" Dear IMRG Member

Following on from the IMRG Members Meeting of 15 June, we were requested by
attendee's to investigate the issue of Spyware / Adware with a view to
setting up a task force to coordinate any appropriate action.

With increased concern from consumers about anything that is downloaded
onto their PC, and unease from some affiliates about Spyware disrupting
their online promotion campaigns, the meeting felt that it is time to
address this issue. In addition, there are already moves in the USA to
legislate against the use of Spyware and an increase in media awareness of
this issue in the UK.

BBC On-line have recently carried an article relating to legislative moves
in the US against Spyware:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/3818057.stm

With Spyware providing a significant revenue stream to some merchants, it
is important that all retailers move together so as to avoid commercial
opportunism. Merchants are already finding that affiliates are moving to
other programs due to their promotional campaigns being corrupted by the
Spyware being utilised by other affiliates.

Adware is another issue to be addressed. Again, this tool is of increasing
commercial benefit. However, it is often downloaded without the users
express knowledge, with permission being granted inadvertently, due to its
inclusion in the very small print of a user agreement. Whilst Adware is not
as pervasive as Spyware, there is a risk that customer perceptions will
link it to Spyware.

These issues need to be addressed with the utmost urgency so as to avoid
further degradation in the use of this technology and IMRG Members need to
act pro-actively to assuage consumer fears

PROPOSAL

IMRG proposes that:

1) Spyware should not be used by any merchant in the UK as a method of
promoting products, services or brand.
2) Adware should only be downloaded with the obvious and express
permission of the user with appropriate explanation.
3) IMRG will update its code of conduct and associated ISIS membership
scheme rules appropriately.
4) IMRG will co-ordinate a united industry stance and will approach the
affiliates involved

THE NEXT STEP

IMRG will:

a) Publish a list of organisations supporting, this proposal;
b) Coordinate representation of Members' decision to relevant
organisations?
c) Revise the IMRG Code of Practice / ISIS terms to reflect Members'
decision.

Would your organisation support such a move? Y / N
Please advise who would be your primary contact regarding this action?"

Enjoy

[Graham@Buyagift]

Great stuff - the ball's certainly moving in the right direction...

Graham

[Helen]

i sent an email about a week ago, also stating that retailers could use their email makreting and or site to inform consumers of spyware and send them to the relevant software clearing sites! kind of.. trusted brands enforcing the clear up campaign

helen

[Rich]

And credit to Tim @ CarphoneWarehouse/TalkTalk: - http://www.a4uforum.co.uk/showthread...470#post125470

[dbm44]

Oh dear, oh dear, poor Tradedoubler.

All those big brand names who now will no longer be able to work with "spyware" or you as a network.

Remember all those affiliates you used to have before they moved their links away.

Just think how much long term revenue you have just lost due to your money grabbing short term tactics.

[justnozy]

2) Adware should only be downloaded with the obvious and express

With clear instructions on how to unistal !