DM News: ISPs Plan to Offer Spyware Detection Programs

Earthlink will distribute anti-spyware software to its subscribers, following the practices of both AOL and MSN. The Earthlink version of the software will notify users of programs that track behavior and instigate pop-up ads, regardless of whether or not users deliberately allowed them on their computers. Earthlink avoids the controversy of whether or not invited adware applications are "spyware" by merely reporting their presence and allowing users themselves to dispose of them at their pleasure.