Class-Action Heroes

This dynamic duo, pairing together for what I think is the first time are fully loaded and ready to show how Zango is not quite living up to their claims of changing their ways as they have been saying since the FTC ruling and fine.

But to anyone who has followed Zango and heard\read their statements and wondered just what kind of hallucinogens they put in the coffee, this is so not news. Time and time again the bone heads at Zango have been caught with their proverbial hands in the cookie jar and time and time again they justify the actions uncovered by the 'zealots with absurdities that any clear thinking human being could see thru. Lets hope the FTC gets a good read and takes notes.

Did anyone really think a paltry $3Million was going to deter them? Come on people!!

Earlier this month, the FTC announced the proposed settlement of its investigation into Zango, makers of advertising software widely installed onto users' computers without their consent or without their informed consent (among other bad practices).

We commend the proposed settlement's core terms. But despite these strong provisions, bad practices continue at Zango -- practices that, in our judgment, put Zango in violation of the key terms and requirements of the FTC settlement. We begin by explaining the proposed settlement's requirements. We then present eight types of violations of the proposed settlement, with specific examples of each. We conclude with recommendations and additional analysis.

Except where otherwise indicated, this document describes only downloads we tested during November 2006 -- current, recent installations and behaviors.

Bad Practices Continue at Zango, Notwithstanding Proposed FTC Settlement and Zango's Claims

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CDT Praises Zango Settlement, Urges Enforcement

CDT on Monday filed comments with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) praising the commission for negotiating a landmark settlement with adware distributor Zango Inc., but also raising concerns that Zango continues to engage in some of the same practices that necessitated the settlement in the first place. In a press release issued on November 3, 2006, Zango claimed that it "has met or exceeded the key notice and consent standards detailed in the FTC consent order since at least January 1, 2006." In its comments to the FTC, CDT provides substantial evidence that that is simply not the case. CDT urged the FTC to put pressure on Zango to live up to its obligations under the settlement. November 20, 2006

Comments to FTC [PDF] November 20, 2006
Press Release November 20, 2006

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The Myspace Tracker - Ysbweb, Toolbars and...Zango

Beware of the latest hot new piece of crud circulating on Myspace - The "Myspace Tracker".

As you can see from the wonderfully useless website hosting it, before you can download the application they try to make you think you have to send out a Bulletin on Myspace first.

Of course, this is complete garbage - just click "Start" and off you go to the next page. It's almost like the methods employed here are deceptive, isn't it!

Vital Security

The Zango Spin Dr. is in the house:

Several researchers released information this week pertaining to our settlement agreement announced earlier this month with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). We are committed to meeting and exceeding our obligations, take concerns relating to the FTC consent order very seriously and welcome any and all input about our business practices and the protection of consumers.

The FTC's leadership in providing clarity around best practices is a welcome and significant step forward for Zango and our industry. More importantly, online consumers are better protected today because of the FTC’s efforts. We embrace the new standards, of which we have met or exceeded the key notice and consent standards since January 1, 2006. We will continue to create, abide by and strive for best practices that protect consumers and make the online economy increasingly valuable for consumers, advertisers, Web publishers and content providers.

We are working diligently to meet and exceed every single one of the requirements set forth by the FTC. Additionally, we are fortunate to have a preeminent voice in online safety and privacy issues assisting us in our efforts. Richard Purcell, CEO of the Corporate Privacy Group, has been engaged to audit Zango’s compliance. Richard will report his findings in the next few weeks.

Regarding the Zango consent order, a 30-day public comment period is presently open and will remain open through December 5, 2006.

Zango Blog