Online retailer goes to court over spyware

By

Online retailer Overstock.com has become the first company to use Utah's anti-spyware legislation

Overstock.com has filed a claim in Utah, claiming alleged abuse by Massachusetts-based SmartBargains Inc.


Overstock.com claims SmartBargains used spyware to open pop-up ads over the Overstock website when users browsed to its site in violation of the Utah Spyware Control Act (HB 323), which came into effect earlier this month.

Patrick Byrne, president of Overstock.com, said "Pop-up ads have been to Web browsing what spam is to email. Spyware hijacks not only consumer spending, but the commissions that would otherwise be paid to legitimate affiliate community."

Got a news tip for our journalists? Share it with us anonymously here.
Copyright © SC Magazine, US edition
Tags:

Most Read Articles

Phishing attack nets enormous npm supply chain compromise

Phishing attack nets enormous npm supply chain compromise

Service NSW centralises security, networking in mammoth CloudOps overhaul

Service NSW centralises security, networking in mammoth CloudOps overhaul

VicRoads to phase out passwords in favour of passkeys

VicRoads to phase out passwords in favour of passkeys

Apple adds "mercenary spyware" protection to new A19 chip

Apple adds "mercenary spyware" protection to new A19 chip

Log In

  |  Forgot your password?