Shamed advertisers cut adware ties

Three of the companies listed earlier this week as advertisers on the 180solutions adware network have cut their ties with the firm.

Altrec, an online store selling outdoor clothing and equipment, told vnunet.com that it has " discontinued its experiment with 180solutions indefinitely".

The company stressed that the trial had been limited in its scope, and that Altrec had spent no more than $440.

Online mobile phone store Letstalk.com has also cut all ties with 180solutions, chief executive Delly Tamer said in an emailed statement.

Both companies stated that they are working to revise their advertising and affiliate policies to prevent future incidents.

Lastly, GreetingCards.com said that it has cancelled its contracts with 180solutions.

The Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) published a report (PDF download) on Monday listing 12 companies that used 180solution's network to advertise their products.

In addition to the other three, the report singled out Club Med Americas, eHarmony, NetZero, ProFlower, PeoplePC, PerfectMatch, True.com, uBid and Waterfront Media.

The study aimed to cut the revenue stream from questionable adware vendors, and expose the intricate chains of partnerships within the advertising industry.

These can lead to ads showing up on adware networks without the advertisers' knowledge or consent.

The organisation had tried contacting all companies prior to the study's release, but did not hear back from most of them. All three companies claimed that they had not received CDT's letters.

David McGuire, director of communications at the CDT, said that the organisation has been contacted by several of the blacklisted companies and is prepared to update its report if the advertisers can provide additional information.

Adware is designed to serve advertisements to the user, often through pop-ups, and is based on the sites that a user visits. The software typically collects information on surfing habits.

Such software is controversial because it uses deceptive practices to get itself installed. Adware distributors often cloud the true intentions of their applications, which often come bundled with free games or other free software.

Botnet operators are also known to install adware on computers in their networks because the adware distributors offer money for each installation.