I met this week with a top exec of an anti-spyware company. His firm is in the business of preventing damage caused by spyware. It’s a noble venture, yes? But this company also makes money from spyware — it charges for its spyware-fighting tools, the same way anti-virus vendors profit from their products.
Of course, even those pursuing noble goals deserve to make a buck, but after 90 minutes of talking with the folks from this company I realized how uncomfortable I had become. In order to keep their business going, they need spyware to continue as a threat. They’re close to the very element they’re trying to protect us from. No threat = no business.
I probably shouldn’t fee so weird. After all, insurance companies make money from the threat of tragedy too.
I did a CNET podcast on this topic.
Speaking of weird, though: Microsoft is said to be in talks to by spyware maker Claria. Reportedly it’s leading to some heated discussions in Redmond. Good.
Related: CNET.com on how to fight spyware and a comparison of anti-spyware tools.
