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Rant

Ethics

May 11, 2013 10:40AM PDT

I received a notice from CNET that my Avast software had been updated, and I was offered a download. When I did, I found that CNET had added Google Chrome to my PC without my knowledge and without asking if I wanted it (I did not). I really have to question the ethics of such a methodology. When I tried to send an email to one of the editors to complain, I could not get through. Six times the site did not accept their security code. Suggests to me that CNET does not want to hear from its clients.

Discussion is locked

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Just sharing.
May 11, 2013 11:07AM PDT
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Avast
May 13, 2013 7:42AM PDT

Thanks

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It's not Cnet but Avast itself
May 12, 2013 7:24AM PDT

and you'll find other such free stuff that wants to add other free stuff as well. I believe Adobe Flash wants to add some Mcaffe product. Avast has also known to sneak in Google Chrome through its own update utility which is completely separate from Cnet. The quibble is that folks miss a check box which is to opt out rather than in. I don't like it either but it looks like the user is now the one that needs to be watchful. Don't just click "yes" to everything or you'll not get what you want.

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Avast
May 13, 2013 7:44AM PDT

Agree with the last point, but as I said in my posting, there was no option offered (i.e. no box to check).