XP Maximized: Is the Free Internet Calling Software Skype Spyware?

Skype is produced by the (in)famous Kazaa peer-to-peer file-sharing program, and is touted as being the first true peer-to-peer telephony program. Essentially, the technology that made Kazaa so successful (and difficult to sue) is being used to power voice communication over the Internet.

Let's face it, Kazaa is filled with spyware and adware and pretty much everyone who is familiar with the name is also aware that once installed on your system calls home to the mother ship OFTEN.

However...

When it comes to making free calls across the Internet using Voice over IP technology, Skype is certainly leading the pack. With almost 26 million people having downloaded the software, Skype is the most used free Internet application.

Note:

The makers of Skype tout its ability to pass through conventional firewall devices and applications mostly unscathed, a feat which has given pause to previous VoIP software applications. While the Skype site is not too forthcoming about how this is accomplished, it seems to use much the same method as recent Kazaa implementations.

And Now...

Recently Skype announced that Kazaa will integrate some of Skype’s functionality in its application. While it seems like a good idea to see Skype being embedded in different applications, I do not see this as a good strategy.

The fact is that Kazaa is associated with negative connotations for some time: from spyware to illegal p2p file-sharing.

Bottom Line:

Kazaa is riddled with Malware. When you download stuff from them, it sometimes comes bundled with Malware, Trojans, etc. It also leaves a backdoor open for hackers to access your computer!

Why would Skype be any different...?

Suggestion:

Be VERY careful and think long and hard about installing this software.

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