A Penguin in the Orchard

Web Firms Take Stand Against Spyware

There’s enough muscle in this group to actually effect a change.

Web Firms Take Stand Against Spyware

The five companies — America Online Inc., Yahoo Inc., Cnet Networks Inc., Verizon Communications Inc. and Computer Associates International Inc. — said they are responding to escalating frustration among consumers about stealth computer code that can generate endless pop-up ads, monitor which Web sites people view or even capture personal data and impair computer performance.

It makes sense that these companies would take this action. They’ve all got a strong stake in assuring that new users come to the Web and old users stay.