After pushing its newest Digsby update, with the addition of real-time search and greater MySpace access, users were appalled to learn of the Digsby Research Module via the IM client’s blog.
Digsby CEO Steve Shapiro said this should be old news to most as this information was already available via the Digsby blog and in the Digsby license agreement users see when installing their IM client.
Users, on the other hand, have revolted against Digsby, threatening to remove the client and reinstall only when the Digsby Research Module is removed from the installation.
While the addition of spy ware on Digsby should have been thoroughly and widely discussed by dotSyntax, LLC., which says it prides itself on transparency, the most important lessons fall into the consumer’s court. Digsby IM, which has been highly celebrated by our readers, should be applauded for attempting to keep its excellent product free for users.
Meanwhile, an informed consumer will never be surprised, whether you are choosing an IM client or electing someone to political office. While many have cautioned users to read up on their IM clients, especially the license agreement at the time of installation, a majority of Digsby users clearly haven’t done their homework.
In a world where Google and even the White House is looking to harvest personal data for the sake of knowing what makes us tick, keeping a level head about these realities of the Internet and always making sure to research our IM clients and other Internet trends first will surely prevent buyer’s remorse later.
