[14242] in bugtraq
Re: RealPlayer and Comet Cursor
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (pedward@WEBCOM.COM)
Sat Mar 11 18:51:07 2000
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Message-Id: <200003100323.TAA26144@eris>
Date: Thu, 9 Mar 2000 19:23:46 -0800
Reply-To: pedward@WEBCOM.COM
From: pedward@WEBCOM.COM
X-To: Keela Robison <keela@real.com>
To: BUGTRAQ@SECURITYFOCUS.COM
In-Reply-To: <3.0.5.32.20000309191004.00832cc0@mail.real.com> from "Keela
Robison" at Mar 09, 2000 07:10:04 PM
Keela,
Thank you for your message. I went back and looked at the download page
again, and read every link from it.
It is clear *now* that the CC bundled with RP7 is an innocuous version.
I, like many of the people who have replied to me, glossed over the marketroid
table and just clicked "full download".
Now that the disposition of the CC software is clear, I'd like to ask another
question: Why wasn't the software removed from my system after I clicked the
"Add/Remove Software" button?
My original message details the leftovers after removing the software.
I believe it would be a good addition to the download page if you stated
"This version does not contains GUID tracking abilities", because it is
only after reading the fine print that this is clear. Also, you should
update the privacy policy link on the "Comet Cursor" decscription page,
to reflect the RP specific version.
Thank you,
--Perry
>
> Mr. Harrington,
>
> I wanted to respond directly to your concerns regarding RealPlayer and
> privacy. First to set the record straight, the version of Comet Cursor
> distributed with RealPlayer does NOT transmit GUIDs. RealNetworks is
> committed to protecting privacy, and we specifically worked with Comet
> Systems to ensure that their software met our standards for informed
> consent. We decided along with Comet Systems to remove any GUID from the
> version distributed by RealNetworks. As a result, the Cursor software
> distributed with RealPlayer 7 could not be used in any way to track any
> individuals' behavior. In addition, it is very important to understand
> that selecting the RealPlayer version with Comet Cursor is entirely
> optional during the download process and that Comet Cursor's existence as
> part of some RealPlayer bundles is clearly disclosed when you download,
> along with links to Comet's privacy statement.
>
> The privacy policy that you quote in your post is not accurate for the
> RealPlayer version; please refer to the privacy policy that Comet Cursor
> has posted relating to the version bundled with RealPlayer, and to which we
> link from our Web site: http://www.cometsystems.com/help/real_privacy.shtml.
>
> I hope that this addresses your questions. RealNetworks is very concerned
> that our privacy practices are accurately described; if you have any
> further questions about our privacy policies or practices, please email us
> at privacy@real.com.
>
> Regards,
> Keela Robison
> Product Manager, RealNetworks Consumer Products
--
Perry Harrington Director of zelur xuniL ()
perry@webcom.com System Architecture Think Blue. /\
