Apple, Microsoft and Google criticized

Mozilla developer Asa Dotzler has blasted several tech companies, including Microsoft, Google and Apple, for automatically installing Firefox plug-ins without consent from the users. The plug-ins have been compared to "trojan horses," while the overall practices have been described as "sneaky, underhanded, and wrong," according to Dotzler's recent blog post.

The developer points out several notable examples, including Apple's iTunes Application Detector plug-in, Microsoft's Windows Live Photo Gallery and Office Live plug-ins, and Google's Update and Earth plug-ins. Dotzler is careful to aim his frustration at the lack of a prompt or notification, rather than suggesting that the software has any malicious purpose.

"I downloaded and installed a specific application from these vendors intending to have only that application installed, and without my consent that application foisted additional software on me," Dotzler wrote. "If you want to add software to my system, ask me."

Dotzler admits that Firefox can do more to intervene and prevent companies from sneaking plug-ins into the browser, however he argues that "trustworthy" companies should stop the practice voluntarily.

"These vendors should stop this behavior and let Mozilla and other software organizations focus on more important usability issues than combating their evil behavior," Dotzler suggests.

By Electronista Staff