paperghost, I used Zango as an example. Just because we referred to that FTC document.
I have recently downloaded and installed Yahoo toolbar. They have all cehckboxes pre-checked and all you have to do is just click 'Next' (or Continue) button. So I think that Yahoo is more than a good example of 'some others' using pre-checked 'I Agree' checkbox.

As for hackers and affiliates who brake our rules, we have our own 'anti-cheat' tactics and checkbox is not something that may stop them. I know what I am talking about.

We have launched website that will help users to install/uninstall software. It also has online copy of EULA and contact email. URL is http://www.activexobj.com/
This will be included in our EULA in the next update.

AnthW, I have a question. Why do you make a product that is not needed? Zlob is not a needed, nor is it a legit codec. Basically, your "product" would render itself useless without deceptiveness, am I right? Yes, I am. Do not try to say that it is not deceptive, for it is. You only offer your "codec" Zlob through porn video sites, and sites that have nicknames for Zlob, am I correct? Yes, I am again. I do not know why you don't go advertise Zlob on big well-known sites if Zlob is so legit. Tell me, AnthW, and don't lie: Do you accept that Zlob is a malicious program that only destroys computers?

AnthW, can I ask you one thing? - Why is your website, activexobj.com, hosted in the Ukraine? Another thing, why is your site shows as blacklisted here - http://whois.domaintools.com/activexobj.com

I can also present another question: Why is what seems to be the majority of your websites hidden in the Ukraine behind a proxy registrar?

You can debate ethics about child porn all you want with the more knowledgeable guys here, but I think it'll help to present the basic knowledge about your software:

#1 - Your software does only harm.

#2 - Your software is referred to as malware, and is detected as such by virtually all anti-malware/virus/spyware products.

#3 - Your software is deceptively referred to as a codec. It's in no way a "codec".

#4 - The main reason for your installs is that users are fooled into thinking that they actually need your software to browse erotic content, and if they refuse, well, they simply can't refuse; they don't have the option of closing the dialogs that keep popping up if they say no. In other words, you engage in "aggressive, deceptive advertising"
It doesn't matter if it's technically not you who's doing it or not; Either way, it's your responsibility.

#5(Not a basic one): You behind a proxy registrar, and use servers in the Ukraine to host your websites.

These all alarm me, technicalities of your "software" be damned. You simply can't give this malware a shine, it's been way too pernicious in its spread.

And remember the core issue here: unlike possibly-legal adware such as Zango, Zlob doesn't install adware that serves ads for legitimate products and services. Its only purpose is to sell fraudware (some of which it actually installs, e.g. VirusProtectPro and its clones), and furthermore it uses deceptive tactics to do so, as I satirically lampooned earlier in the thread.

Since the entire fraud scheme is fundamentally indefensible, I don't see a need to debate the finer points of pre-ticked checkboxes, etc. That's like asking a mugger to prove that his handgun is properly licensed.

I hadn't even researched the Zlob thing. I assumed that his attempt at debate here was the ordinary "no no no my software is not spyware" that I've seen a few times on security forums, but if Mech is right, there's simply nothing to discuss, and I wholly informing the relevant authorities as to any details regarding his identity. The admins can pull his IP from whatever logs exist on the server, right? This should be done! Forgive my very lacking knowledge of the U.S judicial system, but wouldn't the proper authorities in this case be the FTC?

_________________
Hasta la victoria siempre! -Che Guevara, talking about adware, spyware, and malware.

AnthW,

I just want to say how much I appreciate your willingness to come here and parade the workings of the criminal mind for all to see... The more we understand how you think and justify yourself, the more effectively we can fight you... While we may not be successful at shutting you down yet, we believe we have reduced your ill-gotten gains and hope to do even more so in the future... If the international community ever gets it together to realize that criminals like you are threatening the existence of the internet and all of the positive things that it offers, I hope they give you a cozy cell to live out your days since your postings here will be helpful in bringing down your whole network of criminals... Please do continue...

As much as I hope he's going down, I see your post as little more than rhetoric. I mean, shouldn't you guys be handing any identifiable information over to the relevant authorities by now? I'm not an expert on tracking criminals down, but I think this should be pretty easy at this point unless he used a proxy or something.

By the way, found one: http://great-ticket.net/

_________________
Hasta la victoria siempre! -Che Guevara, talking about adware, spyware, and malware.

Sorry if I didn't elaborate. We were posting sites hosting DNSchanger, right? I just posted one. Sorry I forgot to obfuscate it.

Anyway, I was in fact referring to AnthW when I talked about contacting the relevant authorities(I'm getting tired of that sentence). I mean, there might just be a chance he's not behind a proxy when posting here. That would be a pretty sweet deal, nailing a malware author like that.

Nemesis6,

If you really think the people that are fighting these malware criminals haven't thought about tracking this person and his whole gang down and putting them away, you really must think we are idiots... If it was that easy, most of the internet would be safe today and there wouldn't be millions of infected systems out there... Please don't insult us by suggesting we are not aware of the obvious...

Yeah, I guess I'm a little naive hoping he would make an error like that, but when rare opportunities like this arise, you have to make sure you exhaust all options. I mean, the guy actually posts here trying to plead his case, chances are that... Well, you see where I'm going with this.

_________________
Hasta la victoria siempre! -Che Guevara, talking about adware, spyware, and malware.

http://forum.escrow-fraud.com/ just got spammend (Topless Paris Hilton), offending URL is
http:||about-adult.net|kingston|1125932160|1|player.php?m=bW92NC53bXY&id=1237&tpl=8

This forwards to http:||www.codec-club.com|download|videosaccess1000.exe

Both sites are registered by VERY cooperative registrar Estdomains.com and will die tomorrow.


Eniac