StopBadWare.org Blasts AOL 9.0
In an open inquiry on its site, anti-malicious software research outfit StopBadware.org recommends that users not install the latest version of AOL’s software. According to StopBadware, AOL 9.0 installs additional software like RealPlayer, and QuickTime without user consent, adds the AOL toolbar, as well as additional icons and favorites to Internet Explorer. It also adds the AOL Deskbar utility to the user’s taskbar, fails to fully uninstall, and provides no way to opt out of automatic updates.
“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,” says StopBadware.
The site recommends that AOL change the software to inform users what additional software packages will be installed and require their consent, tell users what changes will be made to Internet Explorer, not force users to accept auto updates, and not leave processes running once the program has been uninstalled.
In response, AOL says that it is taking steps to change 9.0 based on StopBadware’s recommendations. AOL also attributed 9.0’s faulty uninstaller to a software design flaw and said that it was working on a patch.
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