SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 28, 2005--CNET Download.com
(www.download.com), a property of CNET Networks, Inc. (Nasdaq: CNET)
and the Internet's leading source of downloads, today announced a new
zero-tolerance adware policy which has resulted in the removal of all
software programs on its Web site that include adware of any kind.
More than 500 products were removed from the site after software
publishers were notified of the ban earlier this month and given three
weeks, ending today, to comply by removing the adware from their
products.
Since its beginning, CNET Download.com has enforced a strict
policy that prohibits software components that could interfere with
users' control and privacy, including all spyware. Now, because adware
is becoming increasingly complex, invasive, and risky, and similar in
nature to spyware, CNET Download.com is expanding its existing policy
to include all adware, which is defined as a program designed to
deliver ads or to get marketing information from the consumer.
Before listing any software program on its site, CNET Download.com
has always rigorously tested new submissions to ensure they are safe
and secure for users, as well as free of spyware, viruses, and other
malicious programs. Now, each new submission will also be thoroughly
tested to ensure it is completely adware free, adding another level of
protection for the site's tens of millions of unique monthly users.
"Download.com wants to create a safe haven for downloading,
especially with spyware becoming an increasingly dangerous threat to
consumers," said Scott Arpajian, senior vice president of CNET
Download.com. "Because of our vigilant efforts to protect users from
harmful software, CNET Download.com has established itself as the most
trusted, safe, and secure place on the Web for free and
try-before-you-buy software, music and game downloads. The expansion
of our policy to include adware underscores our commitment to provide
our users a safe downloading experience."
"The decision to remove adware, and consequently hundreds of
products from its site - some of them surprisingly popular - is an
impressive testament to how serious CNET Download.com is about
protecting their users and helping to prevent installation of unwanted
software," said Ben Edelman, an independent security research who
writes about spyware and adware, and a speaker at the Download.com
Antispyware workshop.
CNET Download.com Hosts Antispyware Workshop on May 3
Further leveraging its leadership role in helping ensure users'
safety on the Web, on May 3rd, CNET Download.com will host an
Antispyware Workshop at which industry leaders will come together for
a day of active and open dialogue about the current and future state
of invasive software. Tough questions will be discussed during the
event, such as: How are spyware and adware being defined? What are
acceptable behaviors? Will legislation help regulate the industry?
What is the future of antispyware?
Held at CNET's San Francisco offices, this full-day workshop of
relevant and timely sessions will feature panel discussions with
leading industry experts, including:
-- Ben Edelman, a Ph.D. candidate at Harvard University and an
expert on spyware
-- Chris Jay Hoofnagle, Director of Electronic Privacy
Information Center's (EPIC's) West Coast Office in San
Francisco
-- Dave Methvin, Chief Technology Officer at PC Pitstop and one
of the founding partners of the company
-- Lydia B. Parnes, Director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection
at the Federal Trade Commission
-- Ari Schwartz, Associate Director of the Center for Democracy
and Technology
-- Roger Thompson, Director of Malicious Content Research at
Computer Associates International
-- Esther Dyson, Editor-at-large, CNET Networks
"I'm excited and honored to be participating in this event. CNET
Download.com's invitational power is bringing together an impressive
group that may well make headway on these urgent and important
problems," added Edelman.
Members of the press interested in attending this workshop should
contact Sarah Cain in the CNET Networks public relations department
(contact information below).
About CNET Download.com
CNET Download.com (www.download.com) is a leading source for
downloads, providing the "digital fuel" that brings technology to
life, including software, music and games. As a thriving community and
marketplace for digital-content distribution, tens of millions of
people turn to the site each month to discover free-to-try, legal
downloads for business or pleasure. Users include everyone from music
fans and gaming aficionados to IS/IT professionals, developers,
business users, and personal-technology enthusiasts who rely on the
site for hand-on trial of software products. An unbiased resource,
CNET Download.com makes discovery easy and provides a trusted, safe,
secure environment for end users. Editorial reviews and ratings, user
opinions, most popular lists, and suggestions from the editors help
users find and evaluate the products they need.
About CNET Networks
CNET Networks, Inc. is a worldwide media company and creator of
content environments for the interactive age. CNET Networks takes
pride in being "a different kind of media company," creating richer,
deeper interactive experiences by combining the wisdom and passion of
users, marketers and its own expert editors. CNET Networks' leading
brands - such as CNET, GameSpot, MP3.com, Webshots, and ZDNet - focus
on the personal technology, entertainment, and business technology
categories. The company has a strong presence in the US, Asia and
Europe.
CONTACT: CNET Networks, Inc.
Media Contact:
Sarah Cain, 415/344-2218 (West Coast)
Sarah.cain@cnet.com
Martha Papalia, 617/225-3340 (East Coast)
Martha.papalia@cnet.com
or
Investor Contact:
Cammeron McLaughlin, 415/344-2844
Cammeron.mclaughlin@cnet.com
SOURCE: CNET Networks, Inc.
