Despite Tiny Fines, NY Settlement Could Push Big Brands from Adware

A recent article from Kate Kay at ClickZ. It focuses on the work of the NY AG's Internet Bureau:

In conjunction with its investigation of alleged spyware firm Direct Revenue, New York's Internet Bureau found Priceline.com, Travelocity.com, and Cingular Wireless were among advertisers using Direct Revenue's software to target their ads to Web
users.

I'm not entirely comfortable with the precedent that this sets, although I wonder if this will help create traction for TRUSTe's Trusted Download Program. The original set of standards (which Chapell & Associates helped to develop) included a provision for an Advertiser Registry. The Registry would, among other things, presumably create a safe harbor for Advertisers that purchased media through ad supported software "certified" by TRUSTe.

Stay tuned.