StopBadware.org Pegs AOL as Badware

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — The Stop Badware Coalition, a group formed to warn surfers about malicious or deceptive activity on websites or in computer programs, has identified America Online 9.0 as badware.

Badware, which comes in the forms of spyware, malware and adware, is malicious software that has deceptive installation practices and could fundamentally alter infected computers’ processes. The tricky thing about badware, according to the coalition, is that most users don’t even know they’ve downloaded it. Some types of badware accompany downloads, while others might self-install when a user is watching media or playing a game on a website. This can lead to slowdowns, computer crashes and even identity theft.

StopBadware.org pegged AOL 9.0 as badware because it installs additional software without informing the user, forces the user to take certain actions, makes changes to previously installed programs and fails to uninstall completely.

“We currently recommend that users do not install the version of AOL software that we tested, unless the user is comfortable with the level of risk we identify, or until the application is updated consistent with the recommendations in this report,” the organization said.

AOL 9.0 is free software that the Internet service provider gives to subscribers for connecting to the Internet.

In a response from AOL posted on the coalition’s site, StopBadware.org said, “AOL reports that they are reviewing this report and that they are taking steps to address what’s noted here. With regards to uninstallation, AOL says that a design flaw in the uninstaller mistakenly leaves executables running, even after a restart. The company says it is working on a fix, and in the meantime, that the executables do nothing even though they are running.”

The coalition was established by Harvard Law’s Berkman Center for Internet & Society along with Oxford University’s Oxford Internet Institute. Tech giants Lenovo and Sun Microsystems also support the coalition.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

New Membership Site 'Sluts Corner' Launches

R18 Entertainment has launched a new membership site, SlutsCorner.com.

Roxie Rae Relaunches Site Through XSiteAbility

Roxie Rae has relaunched her site through XSiteAbility.

Federal Appeals Court Vacates FTC 'Click to Cancel' Rule Pending Review

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit on Tuesday vacated the Federal Trade Commission’s “click-to-cancel” rule aimed at making it easier for consumers to cancel online subscriptions, pending further review.

FSC Drops Florida AV Lawsuit in Wake of SCOTUS Decision

A U.S. district court judge granted on Tuesday a motion by Free Speech Coalition to dismiss the trade association’s lawsuit over Florida’s age verification law, a case that had been on hold pending the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the constitutionality of state AV laws.

Ukrainian President Responds to Porn Legalization Petition

President Volodymyr Zelensky responded Tuesday to an OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine, stating that he would wait for the legislative process to play out “in accordance with established procedure.”

Only Tax Deductions Joins Pineapple Support as Sponsor

Adult industry accounting firm Only Tax Deductions has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Adult Empire Launches 'Conversations' Podcast Series

Adult Empire has launched a new official podcast series hosted by Nicole Chappelle and Charlie.

Sex Work CEO Launches 'Teams Plan' for AI Assistant

Sex Work CEO has introduced the new Teams Plan for its AI-powered, NSFW text generator, GPTease.

2025 XBIZ Amsterdam Website Launches With Call for Speakers

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the website for its annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam, is now live.

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult Industry, Override Possible

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

Show More