Radiate

Radiate, a California based ad-banner developer, has agreed to a settlement in regards to a class action suit. The suit stems from allegations that Radiate software developed and downloaded between March 1996 and March 2001 contained potentially privacy infringing software, commonly known as Spyware. Spyware is an unauthorized program which is hidden within another program, much like a computer virus, but is used and executed by an unauthorized user. In many instances, Spyware is created to send information about the owner of the infected computer by monitoring such things as ads viewed by the owner. Over 600 programs created by Radiate are alleged to contain Spyware. Some examples of the products infected are CuteFTP, BuddyPhone and My GetRight. The settlement gives $75,000 to the class action's attorney and gives people who were a part of the suit fifty percent off a download management program developed by Radiate. The company also has to post information on how its products and the related technology operate. As well, Radiate has allowed all members of the class action suit to try to collect $2 million from the company's insurance agency. The company claims that despite the settlement, it is not guilty of the accusations against it. (Feb-28-01) [Internet NEWS]