Update Agents and 'Spyware' May Monitor Software Users
Update agents, programs that may track browsing habits, computer configuration, or the availability of software patches, may extract personal and other information from a user's computer. Often, the user is unaware of the information transfer, as consent to the use of update agents and "spyware" is usually buried in the fine print of a user agreement.How to Keep Vendors From Quietly Violating Your Privacy, New York Times, January 18, 2001 (registration required).
