eDonkey announced yesterday that their
software won't bundle software anymore in their package. While installing,
the user could choose not to install the spyware software, but the application
was still considered to be adware. The bundled software ranged from Webhancer,
GloPhone and Web Search Toolbar, to New.net.
Download.com, a huge site
that lists software, started a "spyware/adware free" campaign some months ago to
preserve the privacy of its users. Their policy clearly stated that an
application could still have opt-out bundled software, which would fit eDonkey's
situation. However Download.com still detected the presence of Webhancer,
therefor removed the links to eDonkey on their website.
MetaMachine, a group whose objectives stand for
a better P2P community, stated that the adware screen on eDonkey no longer
appears during installation. Instead, they're promoting an affiliate program.
Basicly, they want to redirect sites with high traffic to the eDonkey download
page, in order to persuade users to buy the full/pro version. Everyone gets
profit from this, and the security of users is achieved.
This move is logic for the eDonkey network. A lot
of users now realize that spyware exists, and it's a bad thing. They opt for
other free offers, like eMule, for example. With this step, eDonkey is now able
to push more users to its network. It is almost reaching 3 million simultaneous
users, and it's still growing. Statistics predict a rise of more 1
or 2 million until July. Even with the recent actions of MPAA and RIAA,
either BitTorrent and P2P are continuely growing everyday, and not only for
illegal activities.
Thanks Slyck for the
eDonkey/FastTrack statistics. Check the article if you want
detailed information about both networks. Discuss this and other subjects in
our Music
Download, Peer to Peer (P2P) & Legal Issues.
Source: Slyck.com
