Zango (company)

{{Short description|Software company}} {{Use mdy dates|date=November 2015}} {{Infobox company | logo = Zangologo.png | logo_alt = Zango corporate logo | image = IMG 180Solutions-Zango.jpg | image_size = | image_caption = The 180Solutions – Zango building in 2006 | name = Zango | industry = [[Adware]] | type = [[Private company|Private]] | foundation = 1999 | defunct = {{End date|2009}} | location = [[Bellevue, Washington]], USA | products = [[Adware]] | key_people = Keith Smith, co-founder and [[Chief Executive Officer]] | num_employees = ~100 | revenue = Undisclosed | homepage = www.zango.com }}

'''Zango''', (also letter case '''zango'''), formerly '''ePIPO''', '''180solutions''' and '''Hotbar''', was a software company that provided users access to its partners' videos, games, tools, and utilities in exchange for viewing [[targeted advertising]] placed on their computers. Zango software is listed as [[adware]] by [[NortonLifeLock|Symantec]], and is also labeled as a [[potentially unwanted program]] by [[McAfee]]. Zango was co-founded by two brothers: Keith Smith, who served as the [[Chief executive officer|CEO]]; and Ken Smith, who served as the CTO.

In April 2009 Zango ceased trading after its banks [[foreclosed]]. However, {{As of|2010|4}}, Hotbar, Seekmo, and ZangoCash, formerly owned by Zango, continue to operate as part of Pinball Corporation.

==Content== Zango's consumer website asserted that the company was "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." It provided [[targeted advertising]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://corporate.zango.com/Press/ReadArticle.aspx?id=57 |title=Zango Ad Services Debuts at ad:tech New York |access-date=April 17, 2009 |archive-date=November 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241127004656/http://corporate.zango.com/Press/ReadArticle.aspx?id=57 |url-status=dead }}</ref> in return for partner companies' content such as sports, comedy, dance, erotic videos, online games, and screensavers.<ref>[http://zango.com/Destination/Catalog/tags.aspx?group=popular zango.com – Tags: Popular – All Time] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012120747/http://zango.com/Destination/Catalog/tags.aspx?group=popular |date=October 12, 2007 }}</ref> [[Warner Bros.]] and others had provided content, but WB terminated<ref>{{cite web|url=https://amdwelling.com/warner-bros-calls-off-deal-with-adware-company/|title=Warner Bros. Calls Off Deal With Adware Company|publisher=amdwelling.com|access-date=October 28, 2019}}{{Dead link|date=July 2025 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> its business relationship with Zango after concerns were raised that children viewing Warner Bros. content could be exposed to advertisements for [[pornography]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/07/27/AR2006072701620.html |title=Warner Bros. To Cut Link With Adware Firm Zango |newspaper=[[Washington Post]] |access-date=July 1, 2008 |first=Brian |last=Krebs |date=July 28, 2006}}</ref>

===Undesirable software behaviors=== [[StopBadware.org]] lists a number of undesirable behaviors associated with Zango Easy Messenger, including "behaves as [[spyware]]", "automatically runs on startup", "displays [[pop-up ad]]vertisements", "installs adware", and "[[bundled software]] cannot be closed". The same site states, "We find that Zango Easy Messenger is not badware, although it does engage in behaviors that users should be aware of."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.stopbadware.org/reports/reportdisplay?reportname=zangomessenger101006 |title=Zango Easy Messenger |access-date=July 10, 2008 |publisher=[[StopBadware.org]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081004152249/http://www.stopbadware.org/reports/reportdisplay?reportname=zangomessenger101006 |archive-date=October 4, 2008 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

[[Websense]] has a Zango-related security advisory dated November 2006, stating that "Websense Security Labs has discovered a number of user pages on the MySpace domain which have videos that look like they are from YouTube. The videos have an installer embedded within them for the Zango Cash Toolbar. When users click on the video, they are directed to a copy of the video, which is hosted on a site called 'Yootube.info.' ... the video downloads and attempts to install {{mono|setup.exe}} from Zango Cash."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://securitylabs.websense.com/content/Alerts/1300.aspx |title={{sic|nolink=y|reason=error in source|Fradulent You Tube}} video on MySpace installing Zango Cash – Threat Type: Malicious Website / Malicious Code |publisher=websense.com |access-date=May 2, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100226150827/http://securitylabs.websense.com/content/Alerts/1300.aspx|archive-date=February 26, 2010 }}</ref>

A more detailed analysis of this attack, according to one website, is that "Zango continues numerous practices likely to confuse, deceive, or otherwise harm typical users as well as practices specifically contrary to Zango's obligations under its November 2006 settlement with the FTC." These include failure to include on-screen disclosure of material terms, widespread in-toolbar ads without labeling and [[hyperlink]]s, ads for "bogus sites that attempt to defraud users", and third party installations without disclosure.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.benedelman.org/spyware/zango-violations/ |title=Zango Practices Violating Zango's Recent Settlement with the FTC |work=benedelman.org}}</ref>

Zango software is listed as [[adware]] by [[NortonLifeLock|Symantec]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.symantec.com/security_response/writeup.jsp?docid=2005-050416-3519-99 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060826143331/http://www.symantec.com/security_response/writeup.jsp?docid=2005-050416-3519-99 |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 26, 2006 |title=Adware. ZangoSearch |publisher=[[Broadcom#Symantec enterprise security|Symantec]] |access-date=June 13, 2007}}</ref> [[Computer security]] company [[McAfee]] said in 2005 "this program may have legitimate uses", but described it as a "potentially unwanted program" and an "adware downloader."<ref name="mcafee_137580">{{cite web |url=http://us.mcafee.com/virusInfo/default.asp?id=description&virus_k=137580 |title=Threat Profile: Adware-ZangoSA.dldr |access-date=April 8, 2010 |publisher=us.mcafee.com}}</ref> Automated analysis by McAfee SiteAdvisor in May 2008 reports "629 red downloads" and that during testing, McAfee "found downloads on this site that some people consider adware, spyware or other potentially unwanted programs."<ref>[http://www.siteadvisor.com/sites/zango.com Site Advisor] retrieved May 17, 2008.</ref>

==History== ===1999–2001: Pay-to-surf model=== Keith and Ken Smith, the CEO and CTO respectively, founded ePIPO in 1999.<ref>{{cite web |last=Cook |first=John |title=Zango co-founder muses on deal |url=http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/blog/techflash/2009/04/A_deeper_look_inside_Zango_43258727.html |publisher=bizjournals.com |access-date=August 21, 2012}}</ref> It was one of the first "pay-to-surf" companies, following in the footsteps of [[AllAdvantage]]. This business model paid users a minimal amount to surf the Internet while running an application that showed banner ads. Users could also make money by referring new users.

After enjoying brief success, the pay-to-surf business model declined with the bursting of the [[dot-com bubble]] in 2001. The company, which changed its name to 180solutions, adjusted their technologies in several ways: * To show pop-up ads rather than banner ads. * To not have any visible [[GUI]]. * To be bundled with other potentially valuable applications.

===2002–2005: Distribution via other programs=== From 2002 to 2005, 180solutions' applications—such as ncase and 180SA (search assistant)—were distributed via various affiliates. While these affiliates were required by the 180solutions contract and by law to obtain the permission of the user prior to software installation, many did not, resulting in millions of illegal non-consensual installs. Many other affiliates notified users only via the [[EULA|end user license agreement]], resulting in millions more arguably legal but essentially non-consensual installs.

180solutions' software showed pop-up ads while a user was surfing the Internet. This software was often [[Bundled software|bundled]] with [[freeware]] which the user intentionally installed; since permission to install the 180solutions adware was typically hidden in an EULA, most users were unaware they were installing adware. In some cases 180solutions' software was installed as a standalone install. Using this method, an [[ActiveX]] prompt simply asked the user to install the software so that they could receive "comparison shopping advertisements." 180solutions contended that the value of the bundled software or the advertisements made up for the inconvenience of the pop-up ads. The value of this trade-off was contested by critics of the adware business model.

In 2004, Benjamin Edelman, assistant professor at [[Harvard Business School]] and [[spyware]] researcher, analyzed the network behavior of 180solutions applications and claimed they redirected commissions to themselves that were properly due to affiliates, and additionally caused merchants to pay commissions when affected users clicked on merchant sites directly.<ref>[http://www.benedelman.org/spyware/180-affiliates/ The Effect of 180solutions on Affiliate Commissions and Merchants] Benjamin Edelman October 20, 2004</ref> During this time, 180solutions' applications were designed to be difficult to uninstall, requiring the user to download an additional uninstall application made by 180solutions or to use an adware removal tool. In 2005 the software uninstall was standardized to use Windows' "Add or Remove Programs" function, making it easy to uninstall.

In 2005, 180solutions implemented a number of initiatives to control the distribution of its software and eliminate non-consensual installs. In March, they acquired one of their distribution partners, a Canadian company called CDT (dba LoudCash, giving them direct visibility into and greater control of many of the formerly "third party" distributors. In June, 180solutions claimed to have re-notified users on its 20-million-user customer base, and implemented a program that notifies all users within 72 hours of install and re-notifies all users every 90 days thereafter. By August, they had filed suit against seven individuals alleged to have illegally distributed its software using a [[botnet]]. In November, 180solutions announced an ongoing partnership with the [[FBI]] in breaking up a botnet ring in the Netherlands. In December, the company ended distribution of the 180SearchAssistant and closed LoudCash, a remnant from the CDT acquisition.

===2006–2008: Downsizing=== Despite the initiatives of 2005, 180solutions admitted that it was possible for malicious parties to hack their install routines and thus cause fraudulent installs.<ref>[http://blog.180solutions.com/PermaLink,guid,b0fc12f9-e1f0-4a7a-998f-0b2f11d1fafd.aspx Mea Culpa] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060722101119/http://blog.180solutions.com/PermaLink,guid,b0fc12f9-e1f0-4a7a-998f-0b2f11d1fafd.aspx |date=July 22, 2006 }} 180Solutions 5:33 PM, February 23, 2006</ref> They claimed that the percentage of fraudulent installs had dropped from over 10% to under 1%. Critics considered that the business model was untenable because fraud against 180solutions which harmed unknowing users via non-consensual installs could never be completely removed.<ref>[http://www.benedelman.org/news/022006-1.html Non-consensual 180 Installations Continue, Despite 180's "S3" Screen] Benjamin Edelman February 24, 2006</ref>

In early 2008, security researchers at [[Fortinet]] reported, incorrectly, that the rapidly spreading [[Facebook]] [[Web widget|widget]] "Secret Crush" was enticing users to download Zango adware by promising to identify a secret admirer.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Zango Pleads 'Not Guilty' in Facebook Adware Flap |website=Internet.com |date=January 8, 2008 |url=http://www.internetnews.com/ec-news/article.php/3720436 |access-date=July 6, 2008}}</ref> Zango denied any involvement with the widget, and further investigation by an Infoworld senior writer showed that the Fortinet report was incorrect.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Zango strikes back over reported Facebook hack |journal=InfoWorld |date=January 8, 2008 |url=http://weblog.infoworld.com/zeroday/archives/2008/01/zango_strikes_b.html |access-date=January 8, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080112091258/http://weblog.infoworld.com/zeroday/archives/2008/01/zango_strikes_b.html |archive-date=January 12, 2008 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

On June 16, 2008, the company [[layoff|laid off]] 68 of its approximately 200 employees; Executive Vice President of Corporate Development York Baur, company co-founder Chief Technology Officer Ken Smith, and company co-founder Chief Information Officer Doug Hanhart also left. Zango said it was narrowing its focus to concentrate on its new product '''Platrium''', a "casual gaming experience" that showed targeted ads, shopping comparisons and search suggestions based on keywords from the user's Internet browsing.<ref>{{cite news | url= http://www.seattlepi.com/business/367388_zango18.html |title= 68 lose jobs as Zango moves into gaming |newspaper= [[Seattle Post Intelligencer]] |date= June 17, 2008 |access-date= July 18, 2008 |first1=John |last1=Cook}}</ref><ref>[https://sunbeltblog.blogspot.com/2008/06/casualties-zango-recent-layoffs.html Casualties: Zango's recent layoffs include senior execs] [[Alex Eckelberry]] June 17, 2008</ref> On December 15, 2008, Zango closed their [[Tel Aviv]] office, which had been the Hotbar headquarters before Hotbar and 180solutions merged, thereby laying off another 50 employees.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.globes.co.il/serveen/globes/DocView.asp?did%3D1000407591%26fid%3D1725 |title=Zango shuts down Tel Aviv office Archived copy |access-date=November 29, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081217234110/http://www.globes.co.il/serveen/globes/DocView.asp?did=1000407591&fid=1725 |archive-date=December 17, 2008 }}</ref>

===2009: Closure=== In a personal bankruptcy filing following a January 2009 $4.6 million judgment in favor of a former employee, Zango's CEO stated that the company was in default to a bank consortium for over $44 million.<ref name=Dudley>{{cite news |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/technologybrierdudleysblog/2009109821_zango_goes_bango_ceo_bankrupt.html |title=Zango goes Bango |newspaper=[[Seattle Times]] |access-date=June 29, 2009 |first=Brier |last=Dudley |date=April 22, 2009}}</ref> On April 20, 2009, industry magazine ''[[Computerworld]]'' reported that Zango had become defunct. A spokesman for video search engine company [[Blinkx]] said that although Blinkx had purchased some of Zango's technical assets such as [[Server (computing)|servers]], Zango was shut down after the consortium foreclosed.<ref name="CWdoorclose">[http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9131858&intsrc=news_ts_head Notorious adware vendor Zango shuts its doors] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090424074659/http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9131858&intsrc=news_ts_head |date=April 24, 2009 }}, ''[[Computerworld]]''</ref><ref name="xbiz">{{cite web |url=http://www.xbiz.com/news/107397 |title=Zango Shuts Down Operations |author=XBIZ |work=XBIZ|date=April 21, 2009 }}</ref> 100% of Zango's assets were sold to Blinkx, in what the Zango CEO characterized as a "fire sale".<ref name="Zango CTO">{{cite web |url=http://blog.wouldbetheologian.com/2009/04/blinkx-acquired-100-of-zangos-assets.html |title=Confessions of a Would-Be Theologian |author=Ken Smith |work=wouldbetheologian.com |access-date=February 23, 2012 |archive-date=April 30, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090430145823/http://blog.wouldbetheologian.com/2009/04/blinkx-acquired-100-of-zangos-assets.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> When asked about employees, a Blinkx spokesman said "As Zango was insolvent, we believe all the employees were laid off." While technically true, the majority of Zango employees were immediately hired by Blinkx.<ref name=Dudley/> It was later announced that ZangoCash was to become Pinball Publisher Network, part of the Pinball corporation, though it would still be operating under its own name with no change to its services. This corporation was 100% owned by Blinkx<ref>[https://www.pay-per-install.org/pinball-partner-network-zangocash/ pay-per-install.org: Zangocash is now Pinball Publisher Network] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110101153952/https://www.pay-per-install.org/pinball-partner-network-zangocash/ |date=January 1, 2011 }}</ref>

==Litigation== ===Federal Trade Commission charges and settlement=== On January 23, 2006, a [[public advocacy]] group filed two official complaints with the [[Federal Trade Commission]]. The [[Center for Democracy and Technology]] complaints charged 180solutions with engaging in unfair and deceptive business practices, deliberately duping Internet users into downloading intrusive advertising software.<ref>[http://archive.omgn.com/nexus/?p=637 CDT Files Complaints Against Major Adware Distributor (archived)] January 27, 2006 – archived, original location: {{cite web|url=http://www.cdt.org/publications/policyposts/2006/2 |title=CDT | Policy Post 12.2, January 27, 2006 |access-date=April 5, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080706213125/http://www.cdt.org/publications/policyposts/2006/2 |archive-date=July 6, 2008 }}</ref>

The same year, the Federal Trade Commission charged Zango with "Deceptive Failure to Disclose Adware", "Unfair Installation of Adware", and "Unfair Uninstall Practices" in violation of the Federal Trade Commission Act.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ftc.gov/os/caselist/0523130/0523130cmp061103.pdf |title=Zango, Inc. f/k/a 180Solutions, Inc., et al.., In the Matter of |work=ftc.gov|date=November 3, 2006 }}</ref> Since the FTC ruling, security researchers continued to find Zango involved in problematic installs. In November 2006, Zango settled this complaint, via a [[consent decree]] with the FTC, without formally admitting guilt. In the words of the Federal Trade Commission press release, "Zango, Inc., formerly known as 180solutions, Inc., one of the world's largest distributors of adware, and two principals have agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that they used unfair and deceptive methods to download adware and obstruct consumers from removing it, in violation of federal law. The settlement bars future downloads of Zango's adware without consumers' consent, requires Zango to provide a way for consumers to remove the adware, and requires them to give up $3 million in ill-gotten gains."<ref>[http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2006/11/zango.htm Zango, Inc. Settles FTC Charges] November 3, 2006</ref> These restrictions were to remain in force for twenty years, and the agreement also requires respondents Keith Smith to notify the FTC of the discontinuance of their current business or employment, or of their affiliation with any new business or employment, for ten years.<ref name= "FTCAGREE">{{cite web |url=http://www.ftc.gov/os/caselist/0523130/0523130agree061103.pdf |title=Zango, Inc. f/k/a 180Solutions, Inc., et al.., In the Matter of |work=ftc.gov|date=November 3, 2006 }}</ref> In July 2007, Edelman said, "Zango continues numerous practices likely to confuse, deceive, or otherwise harm typical users as well as practices specifically contrary to Zango's obligations under its November 2006 settlement with the FTC."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ftc.gov/os/caselist/0523130/index.shtm |title=Zango, Inc. f/k/a 180Solutions, Inc., et al.., In the Matter of |work=ftc.gov|date=November 3, 2006 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher=benedelman.org |title=Zango Practices Violating Zango's Recent Settlement with the FTC |url=http://www.benedelman.org/spyware/zango-violations/ |access-date=August 5, 2007}}</ref>

===Other litigation===

In September 2005, attorney Shawn Collins filed a [[class action|class action lawsuit]] against Zango on behalf of three [[plaintiff]]s, alleging that Zango deceptively installed spyware on more than 20 million personal computers. The company said its software was voluntarily installed by users who downloaded premium content in exchange for their consent to view advertisements relevant to what they searched for online. During pre-trial [[discovery (law)|discovery]], the parties agreed to a [[prejudice (law)|dismissal with prejudice]], meaning that the suit cannot be brought again by the same complainants. Each side agreed to pay its own fees and expenses.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=U.S. District Court |url=http://www.spywarewarrior.com/classactioncomplaint-180.pdf |title=Logan Simios v. 180solutions, CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT |date=September 13, 2005 |access-date=September 5, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher=ClickZ |url=http://www.clickz.com/3623374 |title=Zango Spyware Suit Dismissed |date=September 8, 2006 |access-date=September 5, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |url=http://www.redorbit.com/news/technology/649021/classaction_suit_dismissed_against_spyware_provider/index.html |title=Class-Action Suit Dismissed Against Spyware Provider |date=September 7, 2006 |access-date=September 5, 2007}}</ref>

In 2005, Zango sued [[Zone Labs]] for labeling it as spyware.<ref>{{cite news |last=Reimer |first=Jeremy |title=Spyware company sues Zone Labs over being called "high risk" |work=[[Ars Technica]] |date=December 2, 2005 |url=https://arstechnica.com/old/content/2005/12/5677.ars}}</ref>

In May 2007,<ref name="mcafee_137580"/> Zango filed a lawsuit against [[PC Tools (Windows software suite)|PC Tools]] alleging [[tortious interference]] with its business and [[trade libel]], because the PC Tools product [[Spyware Doctor]] at that time classified Zango software as malicious and removed it without informing users.<ref>{{cite magazine |magazine=Infoworld |url=http://www.infoworld.com/article/07/05/18/zango-sues-antispyware-vendor_1.html |title=Zango sues antispyware vendor PC Tools |date=May 18, 2007 |access-date=May 19, 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070520052717/http://www.infoworld.com/article/07/05/18/zango-sues-antispyware-vendor_1.html |archive-date=May 20, 2007 |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name= "JCC01">{{cite web |publisher=U.S. District Court at Seattle |url=http://www.sunbelt-software.com/spyware/zango-pctools-tro-denial-060507.pdf |title=ZANGO, INC., Plaintiff, v. PC TOOLS PTY LTD., Defendant. – Denial of Motion for a Temporary Restraining Order (PDF, 9 pages) |date=June 5, 2007 |access-date=September 13, 2007 |archive-date=February 27, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080227210737/http://www.sunbelt-software.com/spyware/zango-pctools-tro-denial-060507.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> Zango dropped the suit after the judge ruled that the suit was "unlikely to succeed on the merits of any of its three causes of action" and refused to grant Zango a [[temporary restraining order]].<ref name= "JCC01"/><ref>{{cite web |publisher=Betanews |url=http://www.betanews.com/article/Zango_Drops_Lawsuit_Against_PC_Tools/1188317390 |title=Zango Drops Lawsuit Against PC Tools |date=August 28, 2007 |access-date=August 28, 2007}}</ref>

Also in May 2007, Zango filed in the same court a similar lawsuit against [[Kaspersky Lab]], accusing it of tortious interference, trade libel and [[unjust enrichment]] for blocking the installation of Zango software. Kaspersky defended itself by invoking the [[Communications Decency Act]] (CDA), saying it was immune from civil liability based on the paragraph of the CDA headed "Protection for 'Good Samaritan' blocking and screening of offensive material". The judge agreed, granting Kaspersky's motion for [[summary judgment]].<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Cornell University Law School |url=https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/47/230- |title=U.S. Code Collection: TITLE 47 > CHAPTER 5 > SUBCHAPTER II > Part I > § 230. Protection for private blocking and screening of offensive material |date=January 3, 2005 |access-date=September 5, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |publisher=ars technica |url=https://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20070830-zango-tries-fails-to-sue-its-way-out-from-under-the-spyware-label.html |title=Zango tries, fails to sue its way out from under the "spyware" label |date=August 30, 2007 |access-date=September 5, 2007}}</ref><ref name= "JCC02">{{cite web |publisher=U.S. District Court at Seattle |url=http://claranet.scu.edu/tempfiles/tmp33547/zangokaspersky230ruling.pdf |title=ZANGO, INC., Plaintiff, v. KASPERSKY LAB, INC., Defendant. – Dismissal (PDF, 8 pages) |date=August 28, 2007 |access-date=September 13, 2007}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> In 2008, Zango appealed against the ruling.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Eric Goldman's Blog |url=http://blog.ericgoldman.org/archives/2008/03/zangos_brief_in.htm |title=Zango's Brief in Zango v. Kaspersky Ninth Circuit Appeal |date=March 30, 2008 |access-date=March 30, 2008}}</ref> As of April 2008, the National Business Coalition for E-Commerce and Privacy was supporting Zango in the appeal.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=MediaPost Publications |url=http://publications.mediapost.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=Articles.showArticleHomePage&art_aid=80609 |title=Adware Company Gets Assist From Business Groups In Legal Battle |date=April 15, 2008 |access-date=April 15, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070214023246/http://publications.mediapost.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=Articles.showArticleHomePage |archive-date=February 14, 2007 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> In June 2009 the court ruled that Kaspersky could not be held liable for any actions it took to manufacture and distribute the technical means to restrict Zango software's access to others.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Kaspersky Press Release |url=http://usa.kaspersky.com/about-us/news-press-releases.php?smnr_id=900000245 |title=Kaspersky Lab Press Releases |date=June 30, 2009 |access-date=June 30, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/opinions/2009/06/25/07-35800.pdf |title=Ninth Circuit Opinion |date=June 25, 2009 |access-date=July 7, 2009}}</ref>

==Installation and removal==

Unusual methods of installation and operation have evolved as software such as Zango is targeted to run on a broader mix of applications and platforms. Zango has stated on their website that any Zango "application" can be completely uninstalled by using the Microsoft Windows "Add or Remove Programs" function. However, Zango may appear as a browser plug-in or in some other form which cannot be removed by the officially recommended procedure.

Utilities exist for the purpose of detecting, and in some cases removing Zango and similar software. Some software advisers have recommended that people seeking to remove Zango-like software from their computers search for instructions specific to their particular platform, application, and installation.

==Variants==

===Hotbar===

'''Hotbar''' (also known as '''HbTools''') is a [[Plug-in (computing)|plugin]] for [[Internet Explorer]], [[Microsoft Office Outlook]] and [[Outlook Express]] produced by Zango; {{As of|2010|8|lc=on}} Hotbar has closed distribution, but is still available to those who still have the installer. From version 10.2 on, it identifies itself as belonging to Pinball Corp.<ref>[http://www.hotbar.com/ Hotbar website] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100408083319/http://www.hotbar.com/ |date=April 8, 2010 }}</ref> Hotbar adds a toolbar and the option of extra [[Skin (computing)|skins]] to these programs. It also allows the user to add [[emoticons]] to emails created in Outlook or Outlook Express and to check weather reports. Its major revenue comes from the use of pop-ups displayed according to a user's behavior and current URL. The application can show over 15 pop-ups a day, depending on how much Internet browsing has occurred. The last reported usable version is 10.0.357.0, dated October 9, 2007. Currently, it often self-updates to a later version that deactivates the toolbar and Outlook components (as it is completely incompatible with all versions of Internet Explorer after IE7, along with all [[Windows Mail]] and [[Windows Live Mail]] products), rendering it useless.

====Hotbar Premium====

Hotbar as supplied by Zango had an option to turn off the advertisements, for a fee. The fee-based Premium access also unlocked certain content beyond the preview stage in Hotbar's utilities. Grandfathered version 4 Premium accounts had unlimited access, as long as the activation link supplied when purchased was saved. Version 4 of Hotbar is no longer usable, as all content is accessible only to version 10. 365-day accounts were sold, valid only for the Hotbar toolset; if Zango was installed alongside Hotbar Premium. In the overlaid installation, Zango's but not Hotbar's, advertising was shown. Hotbar no longer has premium access available for purchase, so all Premium content is not currently usable. Premium assets may be accessed through examination of linking and related code and insertion into use. Zango itself did not offer Premium access. {{As of|2010|4}} Hotbar's website does not mention Premium access.

====Controversy==== [[Image:Stopbadwareyellowalert.png|thumb|120px|[https://web.archive.org/web/20070101230209/http://www.stopbadware.org/home/reports Classified as "Caution – objectionable behavior but clearly informs users"] by [[StopBadware]]]] Hotbar is an example of [[adware]] due to its banner advertising and use of pop-up windows. The user's browsing habits are also sent to the Hotbar servers with a unique user ID which allows a user's browsing habits to be tracked over an extended period. Spyware researcher Benjamin Edelman defined Hotbar's problems:

{{blockquote|Promoting Hotbar advertising software at sites targeting kids, using banners with smiley faces but without mention of ads. Failing to affirmatively show a license agreement, and burying advertising terms so many screens into the license and below such counterintuitively-labeled section headings that users cannot reasonably find the key provisions. First affirmatively mentioning advertising on a screen that offers no Cancel button for users to decline the installation. And ultimately bombarding users with ads in pop-ups, web browser toolbars, Windows Explorer toolbars, auto-opening sidebars, and even desktop icons.<ref>Benjamin Edelman, May 16, 2005, [http://www.benedelman.org/spyware/installations/kidzpage-hotbar/ Hotbar Installs via Banner Ads at Kids Sites]</ref>}}

In 2005–2006 Hotbar.com started sending [[cease and desist]] letters to security companies which defined Hotbar as "[[malware]]". As a countermeasure, Symantec successfully sued Hotbar.com to get clear right to put it in their "low risk adware"-category.<ref>United Press International, March 1, 2006, [https://archive.today/20070729234432/http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/Science/2006/03/01/symantec_settlement_riles_hotbar/8883/ Symantec settlement riles Hotbar]</ref>

Hotbar can be detected and removed by several [[Spyware|anti-spyware]] and [[anti-virus]] programs, including [[Windows Defender]], [[Spybot - Search & Destroy]], [[Nod 32]], and [[Norton AntiVirus]]. However, some utilities do not remove Hotbar completely and leave [[Windows registry]] keys and files behind.<ref>PC Hell, checked September 12, 2007, [http://www.pchell.com/support/hotbar.shtml Hotbar Removal Instructions and Help]</ref>

===Seekmo=== '''Seekmo''' is an [[adware]] program by Zango that claimed to be a free tool to provide content such as [[MP3]] files, screen savers, and videos. Seekmo can pop up advertisements even when users have pop-up blockers on their computers, and monitors computer usage to generate ads that users are more likely to respond to. In the process, the program can consume processing power and network bandwidth, slowing down the computer and interrupting other programs. Upon downloading a Seekmo-containing file, license acquisition will begin and the program (Windows Media Player, for example) will display a window describing the content and what Seekmo is. Upon clicking "Accept", it will automatically send a file for download called {{mono|setup.exe}}. After downloading this file users must install the Seekmo Toolbar, which will display advertisements related to the websites visited. {{As of|2011|8}} Seekmo is still available, and identifies itself as belonging to Pinball Corp.;<ref>[http://www.seekmo.com/ Seekmo website] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100402082118/http://www.seekmo.com/ |date=April 2, 2010 }}</ref> operation may no longer be as described above.

===Zango Messenger=== '''Zango Messenger''' is an [[adware]]-containing adaptation of the [[instant messaging]] [[client (computing)|client]] Easy Message. Originally developed by Ryan Dewsbury, it was acquired by Zango in February 2005. It connects to the [[AOL Instant Messenger|AIM]], [[Yahoo! Messenger]], [[MSN Messenger]] and [[ICQ]] networks.

==See also== * [[Superfish]]

==References== {{reflist|30em}}

==External links== * [https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2345753,00.asp Adware Firm Driven Under by Security Industry] – [[PC Magazine]] * [https://web.archive.org/web/20070405022455/http://www3.ca.com/securityadvisor/pest/pest.aspx?id=453094343 Removal of Zango] www3.ca.com

[[Category:Companies based in Bellevue, Washington]] [[Category:Defunct software companies of the United States]] [[Category:Companies disestablished in 2009]]