Google embarks on a crusade against malware

SEARCH ENGINE giant Google.com has recently posted on its web site a "Set of Principles" to combat all forms of malware (malicious software), spyware, and the like. You know, software like this.

The document starts by saying: "We're alarmed by what we believe is a growing disregard for your rights as computer users. We've seen increasing reports of spyware and other applications that trick you in order to serve you pop-up ads, connect your modem to expensive toll numbers or hijack your browser from the site you're trying to visit."

Putting their war helmets on, the document continues: "We do not see this trend reversing itself. In fact, it is getting worse. As a provider of services and monetization for users, advertisers and publishers on the Internet, we feel a responsibility to be proactive about these issues. So, we have decided to take action."

Software Industry are US
What is a bit strange is that Google decided to embark on this crusade alone, with "we're the leaders - the industry should follow us" wording. To quote from the document: "We have outlined a set of principles we believe our industry should adopt".

The company says it will follow its own "Software Principles" guidelines in all its software products and also "encourage Google's current and prospective business partners to adopt them as well". That leaves a number of software companies unable to do deals with Google, we guess.

Google Software Principles can be summarized in the following points:

• Software should not trick you into installing it.
• When an application is installed or enabled, it should inform you of its principal and significant functions.
• If the application makes money by showing you advertising, it should clearly and conspicuously explain this.
• It should be easy for you to figure out how to disable or delete an application. [Hear, hear, Microsoft!.. why can't I un-install I.E. or Windows Media Player?]
• Applications that affect or change your user experience should make clear they are the reason for those changes.
• If an application collects or transmits your personal information such as your address, you should know.
• Application providers should not allow their products to be bundled with applications that do not meet these guidelines.

And we agree.

Referring to malware, the document ends by saying: "We are alarmed by the size of this problem, which we estimate to be causing hundreds of millions of dollars to be changing hands annually. Because of this magnitude and user impact, strong action by the industry is imperative".

The company is also asking for feedback from software developers and users, and you can reach them by writing them to this address.

Will the Redmond juggernaut follow Google in its crusade and allow all its "integrated" applications and components like DCOM, DirectX and Windows Media Plkayer to be easily un-installed across all their OSes without rolling back your service pack?. µ