Microsoft has revamped the way it defines adware to make it easier for the malware tools to effectively remove adware. The new rules are simple, classifying something as adware if it meets any of the following criteria:
- It breaks the “unwanted behaviour” rules
- The advertising is inappropriate or out-of-context for the user
- The adware doesn’t respect user privacy.
A more comprehensive definition is available online, banning any application that lies about its intent, tries to hide from the user or constantly reinstalls itself without user permission. Microsoft also plans to take into account user complaints, and will not accept software that comes from unknown sources or that can’t be closed or uninstalled. The application of these rules should keep Microsoft users in a safer and less intrusive internet browsing experience.
