Comparison of Unwanted Software Installed by P2P Programs

From the same guy who http://www.benedelman.org/news/112904-1.html dissected Gator’s EULA, an enlightening view of the crap that you unwittingly install when you grab a copy of the latest P2P software. Kudos to http://techdirt.com/articles/20050307/1743200_F.shtml Techdirt for the link.

Hands-on testing reveals the specific additional programs bundled with certain peer-to-peer filesharing programs. I capture screenshots of key steps in installation, and I discuss the characteristics that make the installation licenses particularly difficult for users to read and understand. Some peer-to-peer programs bundle multiple other programs users may not want and may not intend to accept, but other peer-to-peer programs contain no apparent bundled software.

Ben also points out some neat facctoids about the EULAs for these programs (this fellow has far too much time on his hands – and for that, we can all be thankful):

Kazaa – 22,606 words, 182 on-screen pages. Multiple licenses merely referenced, not shown. Multiple licenses merged into a single scroll box. Multiple references to external documents purportedly incorporated by reference. Separate section headings merged into body text. Restrictions on permitted removal methods

eDonkey – 7,767 words, 90 on-screen pages. Narrow license window shows 3-5 words per line. Multiple licenses merged into a single scroll box. Failure to disclose even general functions of some software to be installed..

Morpheus – 4,492 words, 44 on-screen pages. Broken link in license agreement. Restrictions on permitted removal methods. Purported grant of permission to remove other programs. Failure to disclose certain information collected.

Scary stuff.