Anti-spyware vendors and consumer groups announced an attempt to produce uniform definitions for "spyware" and "adware" on Tuesday. The effort is intended to help improve anti-spyware products, educate consumers and discourage lawsuits from developers of the sneaky software - but whether defining the problem might help to end it is uncertain, writes the AP.
The definitions by the Anti-Spyware Coalition (ASC) are a double-edged sword, potentially benefiting both the makers of anti-spyware products and spyware coders, writes WebProNews. Still, ASC has support from various technology firms, including Microsoft, AOL, and Webroot.
The coalition defines spyware as software that gathers information about the user and is installed without adequate user notice, consent or control, reports ZDNet. The group has also drafted procedures for dealing with software makers who believe their product has been unfairly flagged as spyware.
The public can comment on the ASC's draft definition until August 12, after which the group plans to incorporate the best recommendations in the final version.
