Download.com forcing downloaders to install Kontiki p2p distribution software

[TankGirl]

From Zeropaid:

CNET Forcing Kontiki P2P Client on Downloaders
posted by Smegma on December 02, 2002 @ 10:36am

Exploit Systems is reporting that CNET Download.com is trojan-horsing the Kontiki network onto unsuspecting users.

In a move reminiscent of the Altnet fiasco, users who download certain applications like the Nero Burning ROM program are required to first install the "CNET Download Manager" aka Kontiki.

Once the CNET/Kontiki application is installed it runs continuously in the background and launches automatically every time you start up. It attaches your computer to the Kontiki network and makes your hard drive and bandwidth available to CNET and Kontiki for the purpose of distributing their software offerings.

CNET could do a much better job of explaining to users exactly what they're agreeing to when taking this "Download Manager" application. Forcing users to accept unwanted software (which will later be un-installed) in order to get a desired piece of software seems rather thuggish and intrusive.

In an age when ISPs are capping upstream bandwidth, blindly allowing a company like CNET or Kontiki to use your upload capacity could put you over the byte limit and cost you extra money - or cause the loss of your broadband account.

- tg