The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) fined adware distributer 'Zango' (formerly 180Solutions) three million dollars for deceptive installs of Zango's pop-up software on users computers and trying to prevent those users from uninstalling it; a violation of federal law.

FTC File No. 052 3130
For Release: November 3, 2006
Zangosolutions, Inc. Settles FTC Charges

ReveNews  

"Spyware researcher Ben Edelman says he has proof that Zango hasn't really cleaned up its act and that he'll post his proof in the coming weeks."

CNET News

Zango's executives pointed a finger elsewhere, claiming that the federal violations were due to third-party distributors rather than the software manufacturer itself. "We relied too heavily on our affiliates to enforce our customer notice and consent policies," said CEO Keith Smith. "Unfortunately, this allowed deceptive third parties to exploit our system to the detriment of consumers, our advertisers, and our publishing partners." Smith went on to say that Zango would "embrace the new standards" required by the FTC.

"We relied too heavily on our affiliates to enforce our customer notice and consent policies,"  Now where have I heard that before...