Yahoo and spyware

Ben Edelman documents how Yahoo funds spyware with a detailed report on Yahoo Search Marketing, formerly known a Overture.  He notes how pay-per-click ads are distributed through their syndication partners. Even though many of the partners are legitimate, some are extremely questionable.  Ben's write up shows examples of Yahoo ads supporting 3 spyware/adware companies, Claria, eXact Advertising and Direct Revenue.  He details their less than desirable practices including poor notice and disclosure, offensive pop ups and pop unders, sidebars and forced installs without any consent or notice. The article also notes Yahoo's failure to disclose to advertisers that their ads will be syndicated to spyware/adware programs.  Ben concludes with his recommendations to Yahoo.

Related articles, Yahoo Funding Spyware? at internetnews.com and Yahoo Rapped Over Funding Spyware at SearchEngineWatch blog.