Adware Issues

Dunkers · March 16, 2018

Why did you guys place an Adware virus within your modification? Not only is it illegal to do so, it is also just idiotic. I get LCPDFR is now an outdated mod, outphased by LSPDFR. I also understand that you guys need to make some money to be able to support yourselves. However, I have just stopped two virus items within your mod. The first one being adware, the second one being a trojan. I get that you have this 'Given as is,' mentality, but this is still illegal to knowingly give someone adware, as it goes against the Cyber Terrorism act of 2003. Or any laws within the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Turkey, and Australia.

Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but these are serious charges you could be facing if this adware is not removed.

Original Light · March 16, 2018

1. This is not a GTA IV Support Request. Topic moved.

2. The browser extensions/recommended software in the installer is not in any way harmful malware.

3. As you said, it's not forced. We have an installer without the ads if you so choose. If you want to support us, great. If not, please feel free to use the other installer.

Threatening legal action is unnecessary. If you legitimately believe that there is a virus or any form of malware in the installer, and in the rare case that it actually is, the proper course of action will be taken by the management team. However, you will need to provide more detail on which program it is you encountered that was malicious in order for them to help you.

cp702 · March 16, 2018

1 hour ago, Dunkers said:

Why did you guys place an Adware virus within your modification? Not only is it illegal to do so, it is also just idiotic. I get LCPDFR is now an outdated mod, outphased by LSPDFR. I also understand that you guys need to make some money to be able to support yourselves. However, I have just stopped two virus items within your mod. The first one being adware, the second one being a trojan. I get that you have this 'Given as is,' mentality, but this is still illegal to knowingly give someone adware, as it goes against the Cyber Terrorism act of 2003. Or any laws within the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Turkey, and Australia.

Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but these are serious charges you could be facing if this adware is not removed.

I am fairly certain you are incorrect. It is perfectly legal for software to show you ads. If I'm not mistaken, the software in LCPDFR's ad-supported installer (which is a package known as OpenCandy) offers you the option of installing additional pieces of software, but you also have the option of not installing them. Malware tools often flag OpenCandy because users who click through without reading can end up installing stuff they don't want, but that doesn't make it illegal (and LCPDFR is far from the only software that includes it). The term is "potentially unwanted program," and it is up to users to decide whether or not they want the software offered. It's an automated way of saying "do you want to install this software from our partners" that doesn't require us to individually arrange terms with partner companies.

In any event, we offer not one but two alternative installers that do not include OpenCandy, because we understand that not all users want to download something that includes it.

Also, I can't find any reference to an actual law entitled "Cyber Terrorism Act of 2003" (or "Cyberterrorism Act of 2003"), nor do I have any idea why you picked that particular list of countries. I'm most familiar with the applicable US law, which largely consists of the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. This law largely prohibits fraudulent activities, access without authorization, and exceeding authorized access. I'm not sure which of these you think OpenCandy violates; OpenCandy fully discloses each partner offer and gives you the option to not install it (and you can also quit the installer at any time).