Microsoft is moving to quash claims that its antispyware tool is
now giving preferential treatment to adware maker Claria.
The beta version of Microsoft AntiSpyware previously recommended
that users quarantine several products from Claria, but this
changed last week.
According to a statement published by Microsoft, the downgrade in
threat level merely represents an effort to be "fair and consistent
with how Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) handles similar software from
other vendors."
The news comes at a sensitive time, as Microsoft is reportedly in
acquisition talks with Claria.
The beta version of Microsoft AntiSpyware previously recommended
users quarantine several products from Claria (previously known as
Gator), but security researchers discovered earlier this month that
Redmond had changed those classifications. Users now receive
messages to ignore the products.
Previous Next "All software is reviewed under the same objective
criteria, detection policies and analysis process," Microsoft said.
"Absolutely no exceptions were made for Claria.
"Windows AntiSpyware (Beta) continues to notify our users when
Claria software is found on a computer, and it offers our users the
option to remove the software if they desire...We firmly believe
that people should have complete control over what runs on their
computers."
-Renai LeMay of ZDNet Australia reported from Sydney.
