From [Random-bits] Top Moxie spyware with Limewire

Well, to make a long story short, I recently downloaded and installed a
popular P2P application called "LimeWire". During the installation, it
gives the user a chance to de-select various other third-party promotional
software, which of course I chose not to install. However, after using the
product for a few days, then later uninstalling it, I found this curious
little application always running in the background whenever I started my
computer. In the MSCONFIG Startup group it's titled "ETraffic", which I
later found out gathers information from the computer and sends it out over
the net: ie "Spyware".

After further checking, I read way down in the LimeWire license agreement
(exactly 205 lines down) that it would also install this application too, in
a directory called TopMoxie. My contention with LimeWire and TopMoxie is
that, if the spyware is going to be installed as a bundled package, then it
should also be uninstalled with the "parent" software. But it was not,
leaving behind some 140 files and running secretly in the background and
sending out information forever should it never be detected.

I have since contacted topMoxie, and they refuse to admit any wrong doing,
but stated they would "look into the matter". Their argument was that if a
big application like Netscape can leave behind some of its bundled software
(like AIM -- AOL Instant Messenger), then why can't they too. Anyway, when
I confronted them with the fact that they also do not include any type of
uninstall software for ETraffic and topMoxie (not even in the Add/Remove
list), they did not address this in their reply.

All in all I think this is some pretty underhanded shenanigans that need
further looking into. Below is the email address I used for TopMoxie. The
contact's name is Patrick Toland, though it is signed by Al Davis. Thanks
for your interest. Please feel free to contact me if you have any other
questions or concerns.

TopMoxie Email: *email address removed*

--Michael Hefner