Yahoo blocks Trillian from its networks

TRILLIAN'S IN THE DOGHOUSE yet again, this time with Yahoo, which on Wednesday started blocking Trillian software from accessing the Yahoo instant messaging network.

Yahoo altered its instant messaging language to stop third-party programs, such as Trillian and the slightly-less-popular Miranda from working with Yahoo's service - Yahoo says the move is meant to prevent spamming on the network. Mary Osako, spokeswoman for Yahoo told news.com, "spammers are being aided by entities that are abusing our systems," and reckons the third-party programs help spammers "gain knowledge of pathways and back-alley access".

That's fair enough Yahoo, but what's going to stop Cerulean Studios from releasing another work-around patch, like it did the last time you blocked them? Well, this time things are a tad different: Yahoo claimed it will continue changing protocols to prevent the third-party clients from simply releasing work-arounds.

Trillian's often under flak from the major instant messaging groups - not too long ago, Microsoft blocked Trillian access to the MSN network, however Trillian got around that block.

On the Trillian forums, "Pneumatic" was quoted as saying: "This is a known issue and the developers are working on it. When an update is available we will post it in the announcements section." Considering Trillian's ability to get around blocks in the past, it looks like the Yahoo block may not be so successful after all.

While this move may lower the spam on Yahoo networks - which, in my experience, is barely a problem in comparison to programs like ICQ and IRC - if spammers really want to wreak havoc, then they'll find a way. Don't think this is the last you've seen of HoT_BAbE102. µ