TRUSTe will launch Trusted Download Program Beta. The program will create a list of downloadable adware and trackware that have been certified as safe.


TRUSTe will launch Trusted Download Program Beta. The program will create a list of downloadable adware and trackware that have been certified as safe.

To be part of the list, the adware or trackware should state the type of advertising that will be displayed on the user’s computer, along with the kind of personal information that will be tracked and the alterations made to the user’s settings.

The whitelist will initially be used by companies like Yahoo!, AOL, CNET Networks, Computer Associates and Vorizon who are the sponsors of the program. The companies will make decisions about advertising, partnering or distributing software products.

Ari Schwartz, Deputy Director, Center for Democracy and Technology, said, “All of these developments are helping to tip the balance in favor of consumers in determining what software ends up on their computers.” [Source]

This certification also requires adware to fulfill requirements, such as, asking for user’s permission before download begins, providing clear-cut uninstall instructions, etc.

To visit the TRUSTe website, click here.

 

 

 

 

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