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Mostfun games: WARNING!

(28 posts) (14 voices)

Started 16 years ago by mattg
Latest reply from Sam Rivers

mattg
Member

Hi.

I decided to poke at most fun games today. Before I installed Righteous Kill, I decided to check out the agreement. Are you all aware that by installing games from this website, you are agreeing to turn your computer into a free adserver for the software vendor?

The license explicitly states that they will use your computer and your bandwidth to share ads to other customers. They also promised to do their "best" to ensure no private information about you got it.

I thought it was a flashback to 1999. I'm not even sure this is a legal approach for them, and I will probably be contacting my AG office to find out. Needless to say, you are authorizing some unknown company to use your computer for whatever they need.

I don't mind ad based games inherently, I do mind them using my limited resources at their discretion. Stay away from these companies and please read the license agreements.

Posted 16 years ago #
copmom
Member

Gee mattg.. I knew I OK'd them having ads running but didn't know it also shared with other customers! But, I guess that's ONLY when I have the game running and not all the time, I hope!

Posted 16 years ago #
samm
Member

WHOA!! I've got about 20 of their games on my portable drive. I guess they are going, going, git, gone!

Posted 16 years ago #
suzzyqz
Member

hey everyone..I just uninstalled blood ties from them..it had 6877 registry items associated with it..also you would do well to use Revo Uninstaller as it tries to tell you their games & the player can't be uninstalled.

Posted 16 years ago #
RosnSC
Member

Mattg, would you mind posting the link to where you obtained your information? I just went over to mostfun.com, and took a good look at their privacy policy, and found nothing there to be 'wrong'. Here's the url for you all to go have a look-see for yourselves...:). http://www.mostfun.com/PrivacyPolicy.aspx

Sue

Posted 16 years ago #
lonehiker
Member

The Service uses a private peer to peer networking model. This means that the Service and its components can make use of your computer’s resources to service another user’s or set of user’s requests at any point in time. The information that is shared between your computer and other computers is only related to the content that is part of our Service and at no point in time is information outside of our Service accessed or shared.

RosnSC
This is a copy and paste from the link you gave. Does this mean there is only P to P when you are playing their free games or all the time you are online?

Posted 16 years ago #
copmom
Member

lonehiker: Good question .. my machine is online 24/7!!!

Posted 16 years ago #
mattg
Member

I didn't see this on their site, it was on the privacy policy of the game I downloaded. Begin an install of a game and check out the policy. They make it easy for you: a window of only 10 lines or so, small print and no ability to paste it into another application like notepad to read it.

As to the question about how often they operate, I don't know for sure, but I would bet on 24/7. Might set it up in a VM and run WireShark to find out if I have time. Still, I wouldn't trust them personally. If they want to push ads, they can rent/buy a server like every other company. They don't need my computer to do it.

Posted 16 years ago #
Mem
Member

Hi mattg,

You post was very welcome. I have no problem with companies that want to show me ads in return for the ability to play their games. However, turning my pc into an adserver is not something that I wish to do. No matter what games I can then play.

After reading your post last night I ran Revo and hopefully got rid of any and all traces of mostfun. I always read the license agreement and although it has been about five months since I downloaded anything from mostfun, I don't recall reading anthing that alerted me to this. Is it possible it is a relatively new practice by them?

Anyway, hopefully all traces of this underhand scheme have now gone. I am grateful to you mattg.

Mem.

Posted 16 years ago #
Pam i am
Member

Hi- What does this mean? I install quite a few of their games and have told a few friends about their site. Is my computer in danger?
If it is that is a shame, I enjoyed the full screen games. Thanks.

Posted 16 years ago #
mattg
Member

Mem, I have no idea how long this has been done. This is my first experience with them.

Pam, I wouldn't think that your computer is in danger per se, but you might experience slow-downs etc... as they are using your computer along side of you.

Posted 16 years ago #
Alianthia
Member

I too am concerned but I have always been careful NOT to install the games that come with the manager..yes there are a few,they stand alone, and no manager opens when you open or close them.
I don't leave my computer on when I am not on it, but am pretty certain that I am safe as I run my malwarebytes anti malware regularly as well as the regular precautions.
I think one is more at risk sharing files through torrents which is a popular practice.
But that is just my humble opinion.
:)

Posted 16 years ago #
my_name_is_brad
Member

Merri, that is more or less what it looks like they are doing. Not filesharing per se, but setting up p2p (peer to peer) networking software inside of their apps. What it does is unclear from the site. It could very well be that they are using it to host application files, or they may be using it to just update ads.

One thing odd is that they say they will only share your info with their partners under very specific circumstances, but then you get this confusing bit of gibberish later on

"The Service and our websites may contain advertisements, references and links to other websites and organizations. We may also use third parties to display or serve advertising on the Service and our web-based newsletters or other communications which you may choose to receive. Some of our business partners (e.g., advertisers) use cookies and web bug technologies on our site to measure advertising effectiveness. We have no access to or control over these technologies. This privacy statement covers the use of cookies by http://www.mostfun.com only and does not cover the use of cookies by any advertisers. You should be aware that different rules might apply to the collection, use or disclosure of your information by third parties in connection with their advertisements, promotions and other websites you encounter on the Internet. The use of such technology by these third parties is within their control and not ours. Even if we have a relationship with the third party, we do not control those sites or their policies and practices regarding your information. This Privacy Statement does not cover any use of Personal Information that an Advertiser or ad server may collect from you. We encourage you to investigate and ask questions directly of them in this regard. "

did they really just say they have content in their ads and newsletter that they have no control over?

it's interesting, and having a peer to peer network connection on your machine that you have no control over, or in this case knowledge of, opens many doors for all sorts of nasties.

Posted 16 years ago #
maz
Member

Well, I play their games offline, and the only problem I've had is so far that sometimes when you start a game it crashes, but I do do is to 'end it' from my Task Manager, and try again.

I'll just mention that in the U.K., the B.B.C., a very august institution, allows you to download some of their programmes to watch up to a month later--but doesn't make it clear to users that they are also making their computer available for uploading to a p2p network when they do this.

I would imagine that this uploading for mostfun games would only come into play at times of very heavy traffic--but I agree, if p2p systems are involved, it should be made crystal-clear.

Posted 16 years ago #
mattg
Member

I'll be honest; computer security is my profession. So I am admittedly more paranoid than most. Historically, companies that stuff this sort of stuff onto your computer in a less then clear manner tend also to not be particular about keeping the software secure. In other words, they don't tend to be good "citizens." That is not to say that MostFun is the same, but I still don't like it.

Merri, it is true that P2P and Bittorrent are often used for illicit activity and often spread malware. There's a reason they aren't installed on my computer. :-) As I said, I'm paranoid. The technologies aren't inherently wrong and are actually quite useful. Many companies provide great benefits from P2P and Bittorent because both technologies allow for faster communication of information. The problem comes when you lose control over what is going on. With BBC (and other video providers), if I'm not mistaken, they use these technologies to share popular TV shows (think Co-op). The goal is to enable you to get faster TV shows (its a give and take). The difference is that they provide controls....

With Bittorent, I can turn it off. With MostFun games, can you turn off the P2P? In my opinion, if I can't disable it, I uninstall it. I want to be the final arbiter of what happens on my system, not some company that might or might not actually care.

Posted 16 years ago #
RosnSC
Member

Well, not to diss or discredit anyone, I have been playing games from mostfun.com for years now, and have never had any trouble of any sort on any of my computers, or in my personal life. So whatever negative things they may be doing, it hasn't hurt anything here.

Sue

Posted 16 years ago #
Liesbeth
Member

"With MostFun games, can you turn off the P2P? In my opinion, if I can't disable it, I uninstall it."
Is the p2p gone when you uninstall? How can I check this?

Btw, about the small print when you install: isn';t it possible to make a screendump and then blow it up a bit?

Posted 16 years ago #
RosnSC
Member

You can pull the Settings box up by right-clicking on the bear icon in your notification area, and clicking onto Settings. This is what you will see. BTW, I chose Option 2. as I figured if it IS going to affect my system's performance, I don't want that to happen when we're using the computer. 'Course, as much as we're using it, it won't get a whole lot of sharing action...lol. Sue

Sharing secure content with MostFun:

Option 1. Allow sharing (generates good karma)

Option 2. Only allow sharing when my computer is inactive

Posted 16 years ago #
copmom
Member

I wonder if all this 3rd party disclaimer stuff only applies if you happen to click on one of their advertisers, which I've never done?? I've been using a LOT of their games and haven't found any problems yet.

Posted 16 years ago #
my_name_is_brad
Member

I was wondering that too, but it seems to apply to cookies and trackers from third parties on their site/newsletters as well if I am reading the first bit correctly.

Most of this stuff is generally harmless, but it's fun to speculate on the "what ifs". Potentially it could be used in less than ethical ways.

Posted 16 years ago #
copmom
Member

Are we (perhaps) being a bit paranoid? I know I've spent a lot of time playing their games and the best thing is they're free even if we do have to watch a commercial here and there.. hey, just like TV!! Can't get away from those commercials!

Posted 16 years ago #
Alianthia
Member

I DO appreciate the information given here by, "mattg" and "my_name_is"..
It is GREAT to be aware!

But I have to agree with Copmom;so far my computer is fine!
:)

Posted 16 years ago #
Buckleysmom
Member

If they're using your bandwidth, it may not cause a problem on your pc, other than slowing you down when your online, but couldn't it cause a problem with your ISP? I mean, if you're limited could it theoretically use more than you're allowed?

Posted 16 years ago #
RosnSC
Member

Copmom, I sometimes use that ad time to take a potty break or get something to drink - not that the ads are that long, coz they're not. As for being paranoid, that's real easy to do, and I try to avoid that as much as possible (from my old church days...lol).

As for a problem with one's ISP, Buckleysmom, I would think they would notify you if it was a problem.

Sue

Posted 16 years ago #
mattg
Member

Just for the record, if you're happy with the software, then use it. I personally don't like seceding control to an advertising company because they often lack morals (in my opinion). But, if they are being good on your computer, that's OK.

As for paranoia? Yeah, I'm paranoid. The difference is that I attempt to moderate it when talking to others. :-D My paranoia about the internet is no different then a cop's paranoia about letting his wife and daughters walk through certain areas of the city. Because he knows what happens that doesn't get reported, he's "excessively" paranoid. I'm the same way with computers. Which reminds me, if you haven't patched your computer in the last week, you need to do so. This is the "big one." Exploit code is out and people are actively attacking your system (unless you have a decent firewall running).

Back to MostFun, this thread was a public service announcement. Take it or leave it. Cheers.

Posted 16 years ago #
copmom
Member

jnnywllms.. are you spamming/selling something here??

mattg... you're right! Since both my sons are cops, I'm very familiar with that type of paranoia! That's cute: "this thread was a public service announcement"!

As for exploits, I've got all my updates running, like McAfee, etc.

Posted 16 years ago #
RosnSC
Member

Mattg, I definitely understand where you're coming from, and your analogy/parallel with internet safety and 'real life' safety. Like copmom, I keep all my security softwares updated, daily. Even with all that, I realize there is always the chance of something happening. I am always cautious with unknown websites, but with familiar and trusted ones, like MostFun I feel secure in using it. Bear in mind, I am not blowing off your concerns, but feel like it's kind of like someone saying don't use, say, AVG free, because of..... If I have personally used AVG free, MostFun.com, or other such and have never experienced any problems with it, then I will feel safe in continuing to use it, if I consider it something I want to use at any given time.

Sue

Posted 16 years ago #
Sam Rivers
Member

I agree with Sue. I haven't had any problems with these MostFun games.

However I do use CCleaner daily and that removes any cookies that have been downloaded.

However, if you are really concerned you can turn off your modem before playing the game. The game will still show a commercial but not a downloaded one. Also there won't be any cookies downloaded.

Another option is to get a good firewall program that restricts dialing out. The one that comes with Windows does not have this option. There are lots of free firewalls that work well.

But I have my doubts that there are any real problems anyway?

Posted 16 years ago #

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