Spitzer Files Suit Against Spyware Firm

ALBANY, N.Y. — Attorney General Eliot Spitzer is battling spyware once again, this time by filing suit in state Supreme Court against Direct Revenue, alleging that the company installed pop-up programs on millions of computers that monitor the activities of users.

According to Spitzer, the New York-based company passed the spyware along to users without their knowledge via browsers, games and other software.

Spitzer said that his investigators documented 21 websites with Direct Revenue downloads called VX2, Aurora and OfferOptimizer. Once the downloads were in place, Spitzer said the company could track users’ online activities and direct pop-ups. Spitzer went on to say that users who attempted to remove the spyware often found the task impossible because the program could reinstall itself.

Spitzer brought the civil suit under a state law that forbids deceptive business practices and false advertising.

"These applications are deceptive and unfair to consumers, bad for businesses that rely on efficient networks to do their jobs, and bad for online retailers that need consumers to trust and enjoy their online experience," Spitzer said. "We will continue to side with consumers in their fight for control of their desktops."

The lawsuit against Direct Revenue also names former CEO Josh Abram. According to Spitzer, Abram told a distributor in an email that "we have a very stealthy version of our adware product which we 're happy to give u . . . Don't worry. If we do a deal a build together these will not be caught. [sic]"

In October, Spitzer settled a similar suit against Intermix Media. In that case, Intermix agreed to pay $7.5 million in penalties, while its former CEO, Brad Greenspan, agreed to personally pay $750,000 in penalties.

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

FSC Publishes Analysis of Federal Trade Commission Event Promoting AV

Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has published an analysis of a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) event held this week that promoted age verification among other forms of speech regulation.

GirlsDoPorn Owner Michael Pratt Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking

Michael Pratt, former owner of the rogue website GirlsDoPorn, pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California on Thursday to sex trafficking and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking charges, according to a report by City News Service.

Master Nico Relaunches Site Through YourPaysitePartner

Master Nico has relaunched his official website through YourPaysitePartner (YPP).

Federal Judge Grants Partial Halt of Florida AV Law

The United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida, Tallahassee Division, has granted a preliminary injunction against HB 3, the state's age verification law, as a lawsuit filed by two online trade associations challenging the law makes its way through the courts.

Aylo Releases Statement on Suspending Access to Pornhub in France

Technology and media company Aylo, which operates adult sites including Pornhub, YouPorn, and Redtube, has released a public statement regarding its decision to block access to its sites in France.

Pineapple Support to Host Wellness Sessions at Bucharest Summit

Pineapple Support is hosting free group and one-on-one therapy sessions at Bucharest Summit, June 3-5.

Pornhub Blocks Access in France in Response to SREN Law

Pornhub parent company Aylo has opted to block access to its sites in France rather than comply with age verification requirements under the country’s Security and Regulation of the Digital Space (SREN) law.

ASACP Highlights Study on Parental Controls

The Association of Sites Advocating Child Protection (ASACP) is highlighting the results of a study on the underutilization of parental controls.

Sydney Screams Launches New Site Through Grooby's Blue.xxx

Sydney Screams has launched her new membership site, SydneyScreams.xxx, through Grooby's website management company Blue.xxx.

Mistress Mystii Is LoyalFans' 'Featured Creator' for June

LoyalFans has named Mistress Mystii as its Featured Creator for June.

Show More