Google asks: What is spyware?

Google has published a list of Software Principles that it wants to promulgate as a formal definition of the term spyware.

I’ve said before that I’m troubled by the casual use of this word, and I think this debate is healthy. I’d sure rather see some form of definition before the U.S. Congress charges into the fray with something incredibly stupid, especially a weak law that would preempt well-crafted state laws.

Excerpts from Google’s “proposed principles”:

• We believe software should not trick you into installing it.
• When an application is installed or enabled, it should inform you of its principal and significant functions.
• It should be easy for you to figure out how to disable or delete an application.
• Applications that affect or change your user experience should make clear they are the reason for those changes.
• If an application collects or transmits your personal information such as your address, you should know.
• Application providers should not allow their products to be bundled with applications that do not meet these guidelines.

Now, Google has a vested interest in this subject, because it doesn’t want its add-ins to be affected by an ill-considered ban. Still, it’s a good starting point for a discussion.

(via Techdirt)