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

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