Web giants back anti-spyware push

A group of internet companies is set to announce a new program to certify downloads so consumers can get friendly and non-invasive software.

The "Trusted Download Program" is backed by AOL, CA, CNET Networks, Verizon and Yahoo!. The program is set to begin early next year in a trial version, when the internet partners will get access to a list of applications certified by TRUSTe, according to a statement from the group.

Fran Maier, executive director and president of TRUSTe, said in the statement: "With consumers downloading more and more software, it's vital to give people real control over what they will allow on their computers." The official announcement of the initiative is scheduled for Wednesday morning at an event here.

Spyware and adware have become widely despised for sneaky distribution tactics, unauthorised data gathering, the eating-up of computer processing power and other annoyances. Although adware makers say there are legitimate uses for their programs, an entire anti-spyware market has been spawned to combat the often unwanted software.

The Trusted Download Program won't blacklist adware or spyware. Instead, to be certified, makers of the software have to clearly communicate what their product does. The user then has to consent prior to download and again when installing the software.

For example, software that displays advertisements or tracks user behaviour must disclose what type of ads will be displayed and what information will be tracked, according to the statement. The disclosure must also include which user settings may be altered, and must obtain consent for the download, the statement said.

Furthermore, easy instructions to uninstall the software must be provided and displayed ads must be labelled with the name of the ad-serving software.

A 'whitelist' of approved applications will be provided to the program sponsors, who can use it to make decisions about advertising, partnering or distributing software, according to the statement. TRUSTe already certifies and monitors website privacy and email practices.

Joris Evers writes for CNET News.com