180solutions Dismisses Lawsuit Against Internet Security Application Company
31 January 2006
180solutions, Inc., a leading provider of Internet search marketing solutions, today announced the dismissal of its lawsuit against Zone Labs L.L.C. ("ZoneLabs"). The suit, filed in November 2005, alleged that ZoneLabs wrongfully failed to correct false and misleading labeling by ZoneLabs' "ZoneAlarm" application of 180solutions' search assistant programs.
180solutions dismissed the case last week, without prejudice, due to ZoneAlarm's action to downgrade classification of 180solutions' S3-enabled search assistant software. At the time the suit was filed, ZoneAlarm warned that older search assistant software was exhibiting "Dangerous Behavior" and was a "High Risk" to users. The warning stated that 180solutions' software was "trying to monitor your mouse movements and keyboard strokes," which 180solutions contended was not only false, but at odds with the prevailing industry standards and the criteria utilized by leading security applications. The complaint also alleged that the false labeling was solely responsible for blocking a significant business partnership for 180solutions.
"Although the new labeling is still in our view overly aggressive, the immediate purpose of the lawsuit has been served," said Ken McGraw, chief compliance officer for 180solutions. "The labeling has been downgraded, and we are now able to pursue the business relationship that otherwise was not possible. Therefore, we are dismissing the case, without prejudice, leaving us the option to reinstate the litigation. We expect the current analysis of our software to remain as is, at worst, and are working towards a more accurate classification."
180solutions serves more than 20 million active users, offering each user an average of more than $500 worth of free content every year, while at the same time providing unprecedented ROI for advertisers. The company's top priority is to ensure that its applications and distributors are safe for users, and it consistently increases value to consumers, keeping the most compelling online content available for free.
Throughout 2005, 180solutions focused considerable efforts on reaching out to the leading security and scanning applications in an initiative to educate them as to the behaviors of 180solutions' products and the efforts made to safeguard the user experience. In addition to obtaining user consent prior to installation of its software, 180solutions also re-notifies every new user within 72 hours of installation and every 90 days thereafter, reminding the user of the software's purpose and providing simple uninstall instructions.
S3 is a shorthand reference to "Safe and Secure Search." 180solutions' S3 technology helps prevent the suppression or manipulation of the user consent experience prior to installation and is included in all new distributions of the Zango Search Assistant and the Seekmo Search Assistant. As of January 1, no publishing partner is able to receive payment from 180solutions for distributing previous versions of the search software.
About 180solutions, Inc.
180solutions, Inc., headquartered in Bellevue, WA, fuels the creation of the online content economy by creating the tools and marketplace that allow anyone to monetize online content over the Internet. Within this content economy, consumers gain free access to a large catalog of entertaining and informative content sponsored by time-shifted advertising. Publishers and content developers are offered a legitimate and scalable means to monetize their content, and advertisers increase their reach by delivering highly targeted messages to potential customers who were previously inaccessible. 180solutions is committed to creating a content economy built on a foundation of safe and ethical practices by protecting consumer privacy while offering a fulfilling and high-value content experience. For more information, visit http://www.180solutions.com. You can also visit our blog at blog.180solutions.com.
Source: prnewswire
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