Mozilla believes that Apple's offering Safari to Windows users through its Software Update utility 'violates user trust'
Mozilla raps Apple over Safari bundling
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25 Mar 2008, Shaun Nichols , V3
The Mozilla Corporation has criticised Apple over its methods for spreading the Safari web browser.
Mozilla chief executive John Lilly said in a blog posting that Apple's decision to offer Safari to Windows users through its Software Update utility violates user trust and could hamper security efforts.
Lilly claimed that tools such as Software Update are traditionally used only to distribute patches and updates for already installed applications, and that offering the browser to users that do not already have it is a misuse of the service.
"What Apple is doing now with its Apple Software Update on Windows is wrong, " wrote Lilly.
"It undermines the trust relationship great companies have with their customers, and that is bad not just for Apple but for the security of the whole web."
Lilly is concerned that if users lose their trust in Software Update, future security patches may be ignored and users will be left exposed to attack.
"There is an implicit trust between software makers and customers in this regard. As a software maker we promise to do our very best to keep users safe and will provide the quickest updates possible, with absolutely no other agenda, " he wrote.
"And when the user trusts the software maker, they will generally go ahead and install the patch, keeping themselves and everyone else safe."
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Do you agree?
Apple should go on Safari!
I couldn't agree more. I was amazed they have resorted to "push-marketing". Its usually the sign of an inferior product and although its easy to tick the box OFF, many people will just blindly confuse their systems with a 3rd browser.
I just wish we coyuld remove IE....
Whilst we are at it why do we end up with a 65MB update almost every week from Apple - can't they get their Change/Config Management process under control?
Redmond's decision to do 1 per month was a much better approach.
Posted by Wyn Pugh, 26 Mar 2008
Old News
This s getting old! I am soooooo tired of hear "professionals" use words like "stunned", "angered", "insulted" when all it would take is to UNCHECK the installation box. Doesn't any Windows users READ? The addition of any new software could be considered an "update" to the system as a whole. Wow...get your panties unwadded and do something productive...like work!
However, if money is involved all bets are off...still...get back to work...and Read the update box.
Posted by joe Reed, 25 Mar 2008
unfair?
the only problem with mozilla coming out and attctcking apple (and microsoft before) abt their web browsers is the fact that mozilla doesnt have its own os likethe rest do. So i feel that its nt fair. True that i prefer FF over IE and never have used Safari before. But who's to say whether it's good or bad to promote your web browser through a opreating system?
Posted by Ivan, 26 Mar 2008
Copybook blotted
I agree - I understand why a software updater is a good idea, although I'd prefer it if Apple's was a little less intrusive.
But I don't want new software I haven't chosen and I definitely don't want it shoved in my face when I'm busy doing something else.
I think this chips at Apple's generally great reputation with consumers.
Posted by MattyP, 25 Mar 2008
Safari -- no thanks
I have to admit I was a little upset when I saw that download in my itunes update. I tried to find out how to disable it, but to no avail. Gutsy move Apple.
Posted by Troy, 25 Mar 2008