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WAA Sets Anti-Spyware Principles
David Utter
Staff Writer
2006-03-27
 Insider Reports RSS Feed
A group of companies like Google, Yahoo, and Webtrends back the Web Analytics Association, announced they have formed and adopted an anti-spyware statement of principles.
Web analytics professionals have seen various anti-spyware products tag their cookies or single-pixel "web beacon" images as spyware. They wish to differentiate their work from that of truly malicious spyware creators and have crafted their anti-spyware principles to reflect that.
Andrew Edwards, Managing Partner of Technology Leaders and a Director of the WAA, said, "Some Anti-spyware software vendors target technology such as cookies. We feel that this is not only misleading but may needlessly alarm and confuse consumers."
The association announced in a press release that its 750+ membership voted overwhelmingly to clearly delineate "honest web analytics vendors that use browser cookies to legitimately measure website traffic from the deceptive makers of spyware software."
That release summarized the principles the WAA believes separates its membership from those with criminal intent. The summary noted these points:
Members of the WAA will not engage in the deceptive practices that characterize spyware and those who purvey spyware.
The policies and practices of WAA members are open to third party, independent review.
We believe defining and targeting deceptive practices, as opposed to focusing on the technology, will ultimately lead to better protection of the online user.
We are committed to educating the public about the benefits of cookies and web beacons, and dispelling the myth that these are spyware.
The WAA encourages US Federal legislation to establish an anti-deceptive practices (spyware) regulatory framework that is stringent, comprehensive and uniform.
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Tag: Spyware |
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About the Author:
David Utter is a business and technology writer for SecurityProNews and WebProNews.
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