Spyware

The Competition Bureau initiated an inquiry in December, 2005, following a six resident complaint regarding the installation and distribution of spyware software on a user’s computer.

The complainants alleged that consumers were being led to install unwanted spyware software on their computers as a result of false or misleading representations, which were made at various points during the user’s regular on-line Internet activities. Subsection 52(1) and paragraph 74.01(1)(a) of the Competition Act prohibits making materially false or misleading representations to the public.

After examining the information obtained, the Bureau concluded that continuation of the inquiry was not warranted as there was insufficient evidence to establish any contravention of the Act.

Consequently, the inquiry was discontinued in October, 2006.

(3099441)