5 replies to this topic

[canoeingkidd]

I found a program called "Viewpoint Media Player" in my add or remove programs list. What is it - is it spyware? I don't remember ever downloading it.

[Venkee]

Thats debateable. In my book it is. Its required for AIM AOL and some other programs. It often will redownload itself if you run a service that needs it. Its some sort of image service that isnt mentioned when its installed. The threat is that it updates without asking the user.

[Scoff]

If you play games through AIM, then'll you'll need it. Otherwise you can probably uninstall it through add/remove programs. It usually gets installed without your knowledge bundled in with AIM, Adobe and a few others.

[canoeingkidd]

I uninstalled it with Add/Remove Programs however I notice there are still files associated with it in "C:\Program Files\Viewpoint".

Putting them in the Recycle Bin.

Edited by canoeingkidd, 21 June 2004 - 07:05 PM.

[Tuntis]

I think that Age of Mythology uses it.

[2shane]

I go after spammers and stupid companies.. like VIEWPPOINT...


Here is who I complained too.

webmaster@smtpgw.oag.state.ny.us, press.office@ncs.police.uk, AskDOJ@usdoj.gov, SPAM@UCE.GOV, SPAM, lada@co.la.ca.us, sentinel@ftc.gov, info@nclnet.org, reportingspam@aca.gov.au

My complaint.

I want to lodge a formal complaint about Viewpoint Media Player, which is spyware.

It was installed on my computer without my consent.

It is tracking my browsing habits and then reporting them without my consent.

And despite Viewpoints "bullshit" privacy policy, this is my computer, this is my bandwidth - to my ISP, and I have not given them permission to use it.

It's computer trespass, it's invasion of privacy and it's theft.

I want to press charges against this company.

Shane Hanson.




I first found thier spyware when "Pest Patrol" notified me of their illegal installation:

The Pest Patrol Log.

The illegal installation and alteration of my computer registry.

(insert screen shot from Pest Patrol Log - ~ about 60 entires / modifications)


The illegal installation of software folders in my system.

(insert screen shot of SEARCH => Viewpoint - results ~ 7 folders 2 files and 1 dll)


The View Point Website:

http://www.viewpoint.com/pub/


lots of screen shots of the Viewpoint site....


The results (screen shot) of searching for "Viewpoint" and "spyware" ~ 10,400 entries in google.




An interesting site with the Viewpoints CEO letters in it.

http://www.spywarein...pril-2003/2.php






Yeah if you want a copy of my email, just ask...

2shane at iinet dot net dot au