MySpace chastises ad networks over 'scareware' tactics

[zekrahminator]

MySpace ads have been taking a very interesting turn as of late. Ads for WinAntiVirus Pro and DriveCleaner are taking a new approach to getting people to buy things. Symantec and Sophos have warned that both programs are malicious, which raises questions as to why MySpace allows ads for them in the first place. WinAntiVirus Pro tries to install itself in the background via ActiveX. When it is installed, it claims you have a malware problem and makes you buy the anti-virus program it recommends. DiskCleaner pulls a similar stunt, however it claims there is a problem with your computer before it installs itself and demands you buy the professional version.

Upon being alerted to this problem, MySpace left the following comment.

Adware is against MySpace's terms of service. These ads are being delivered by ad networks who distribute them to over a thousand sites across the Internet in addition to ours. We work to have these ad networks remove such ads so that they do not appear on our site.

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[demonbrawn]

Just another reason I'm giving up myspace...

 

[randomperson21]

abp for ff!!

but some people aren't that smart.

 

[PyroInc]

I just use to to keep in touch with friends, I dont know anyone that actually buys something from them

 

[WarEagleAU]

Myspace isnt even that cool. Well, except for all the damn funny videos about stupid peeps doing stupid things...

 

[randomperson21]

imo, the only thing its good for is for communicating with people that don't have (or don't know how to use) email.

 

[pt]

Myspace isnt even that cool. Well, except for all the damn funny videos about stupid peeps doing stupid things...

you have youtube for that

 

[Benpi]

Anybody who frequents myspace is probably not smart enough to determine when NOT to click on an ad (which is pretty much never). I say, if they use myspace.... F*ck'em.