Known as Browsezilla, the free browser claims to protect user privacy by allowing users to bookmark on a remote server. The browser does not save data to a cache or use a browser history. According to a Panda spokesman, while those product claims may be valid, the real concern is that the browser also installs adware aimed at increasing hits for porn websites onto users’ computers without their knowledge.
"It's being used deceptively to get more hits on their site," Panda spokesman JJ Schoch said. "This adware opens a series of adult web pages, although they are not visible to the user."
While officials at Panda don’t believe the browser causes any damage to a user’s computer, they elected to sound the alarm based on what they see as deceptive marketing practices that could give users more than they bargained for.
“It's not going to wreck your computer, but it could taint somebody's reputation," Schoch said.
According to Panda, this is the first browser they are aware of that employs click-generating software in an adware download.
Through a statement on the Browsezilla site, which contains a section marked “Adult Links,” the company denied any allegations of wrongdoing.
“The information presented in this release is false and puts the serious loss to reputation of our browser, and also puts the financial losses connected with significant reduction number of users, number of potential users and refusal of other sites in cooperation,” a Browsezilla press release said.
While Browsezilla insisted that Panda’s claims were unsubstantiated, the browser did concede its connection to adult content in its press release and said that it could not be held responsible for any misuse of its product by any of its partners.