Sears Installs Spyware

Gandalf_the_Beardy writes in with news that's been around a while but is getting more attention lately. Last month Benjamin Googins, a security researcher at CA, determined that Sears Holding Corp. installed ComScore spyware without adequate disclosure. Sears said, yes we tell people about tracking their browsing. On Jan. 1 spyware researcher Ben Edelman weighed in, noting that Sears' notice occurs on page 10 of a 54-page privacy statement, and twits Sears because its installation identifies the software as "VoiceFive" and later claims it's coming from a company called "TMRG, Inc." even though a packet sniffer confirms the software belongs to ComScore, adding "These confusing name-changes fit the trend among spyware vendors."

This is Sear's Privacy Statement

[Bryansix]

Not only will we track where you browse on our website which has legitimate marketing value for us; we will also break into your computer without your knowledge and track every other website you visit. You are not safe within your own home.... muahahahah.... I mean we do this to PROTECT your privacy. We will not give out this information unless we get your consent or we get a good enough offer for the data. Anything over one cent per one thousand records consitutes a good offer. We do not disclose offers for data purchase so pretty much you have to assume we are giving your browsing habit data away. We also do this to PROTECT your privacy. Thank you for choosing Sears.

What a deal!

[charlesbakerharris]

This is the least expensive install Sears has ever done for me!

Re:Screwed Up

[halcyon1234]

In my opinion this is worse than the "communities" some e-com sites have you join that secretly charge your card $2 a month, at least that you see on your CC statement.

Those "communities", my friend, are called "porn websites"

I Didn't Know Anybody Still Shopped at Sears

[Zordak]

Wow! I'm so FLAMING HOT MAD about this, that I would boycott Sears if not for the fact that I never shop there anyway. Are you with me people?! MAKE YOUR VOICES HEARD! Punish Sears by refusing to purchase from them the things you already don't purchase from them!

New FTC rules should state . . .

[DodgeRules]

... that all company officers and directors MUST have installed on every work and home computer the same software that they are installing on everyone else's computers. I'll bet money that none of them have installed this onto their own computers.

Re:This is Sear's Privacy Statement

[tyraen]

That was too long for me to read so I just clicked past it.

Re:Surprised that Sears is still in business?

[BigHungryJoe]

If Sears goes out of business do my Craftsman tools still have a lifetime warranty? Who will honor that warranty?

I'll be goddamned if I'm going to buy TWO hammers during this lifetime.

Re:Plain English

[viking099]

It depends on what your definition of the word "is" is.

Re:Sears is evil.

[poot_rootbeer]

So I look at the chaos that his scheduling and his lack of proper planning created, looked him in the eye, told him I quit, and walked out the door.

BIG mistake.

What you should have done is tell him you quit, and then stick around to observe the carnage until asked to leave.

Re:Reminds me of Radio Shack

[Intron]

Give them 703-482-0623. It's the main switchboard at the CIA.