Article:		Skype on Mac OS X: A Hands-On Approach
Subject:		Skype = spyware
Date:		2004-12-29 02:54:20
From:		F.J.
Response to: Skype = spyware
Hi! First of all, I am sorry to hear that you feel that way about this article. My goal when writing about an application is to provide an accurate representation of what it does and the potential dangers that may be linked to it. As mentioned in this article, there are some obscure aspects of Skype that are being investigated by the open source community. I sought clarification on a few points from Skype themselves but the company declined to comment. Maybe part 2 will seem more clear on this point. About the license agreement, it is indeed important that you read it and understand it before going further. Should you not feel comfortable with it, it is indeed a wise decision to not install Skype on your machine. Maybe your legal advisor could have a look at it too? If you have the time, could you post the lines that make you feel that way about the software? Maybe this would help shed some light on the issue. :^) Truly yours, FJ

Showing messages 1 through 7 of 7.

• Skype = spyware
  2005-01-06 08:15:43  fbit [View]
  
  
  I'm note sure where in the EULA you see proof that Skype is spyware. If you mean this...
  4.1 Permission to utilize Your computer. In order to receive the benefits provided by the Skype Software, you hereby grant permission for the Skype Software to utilize the processor and bandwidth of Your computer for the limited purpose of facilitating the communication between You and other Skype Software users
  ..., I don't see any "spyware" hint there. ???
  -- fb
• Skype = spyware
  2005-02-07 03:05:41  elf11 [View]
  
  
  Skype comes with Spyware, see articles on ZDNET and especially an interesting article by Ben Edelman
  
  Even more so, when you agree to install Skype, it is prohibited to run the necessary anti measures.
• Skype = spyware
  2005-10-02 03:46:18  jmburnz [View]
  
  
  I think if you read that article again, you'll notice (man how could you miss it?) it's talking about the kazaa-Skype bundle.
  
  At the bottom of the article it clearly states that if you want to AVOID the spyware, then you should just install Skype (from the skype website.
  
  Clearly the spyware comes with Kazaa, and who doesn't know that? Who the heck wants a kazaa-Skype bundle in the first place?
• Skype = spyware
  2005-03-15 05:49:46  aross [View]
  
  
  The article you're refering us to says that the separate Skype utility (Separate means not in the Kazaa-Skype bundle) comes with no spyware: "Brian recommends that if you don’t want all that adware, then just download the separate Skype utility."
  
  
• Skype = spyware
  2005-01-23 02:23:57  smirre [View]
  
  
  Maybe this:
  
  

  
  
  2.4 Third Parties. You acknowledge and agree that the Skype Software may be incorporated into, and may incorporate itself, software and other technology owned and controlled by third parties. Skype emphasizes that it will only incorporate such third party software or technology for the purpose of (a) adding new or additional functionality or (b) improving the technical performance of the Skype Software. Any such third party software or technology that is incorporated in the Skype Software falls under the scope of this Agreement. Any and all other third party software or technology that may be distributed together with the Skype Software will be subject to you explicitly accepting a license agreement with that third party. You acknowledge and agree that you will not enter into a contractual relationship with Skype or its Affiliates regarding such third party software or technology and you will look solely to the applicable third party and not to Skype or its Affiliates to enforce any of your rights.
  
  

  
  
• Skype = spyware
  2007-10-13 00:44:36  networkassault [View]
  
  
  That says that Skype may add third company TELEPHONY technology into the Skype package. It says that any new third party addition will be solely for the purpose of adding new functionality or improving the technical performance of Skype. I can understand being somewhat paranoid about that new or additional functionality part, but if it's any consolation, www.stopbadware.org doesn't have any complaints filed against Skype and Google doesn't mark it in its results as being a site that harbors malware.
• Skype = spyware
  2007-10-13 00:44:29  networkassault [View]
  
  
  That says that Skype may add third company TELEPHONY technology into the Skype package. It says that any new third party addition will be solely for the purpose of adding new functionality or improving the technical performance of Skype. I can understand being somewhat paranoid about that new or additional functionality part, but if it's any consolation, www.stopbadware.org doesn't have any complaints filed against Skype and Google doesn't mark it in its results as being a site that harbors malware.