Chinese security giant criticized for blocking mobile phone ads
Staff Reporter 2012-09-19 15:42
Kingsoft's software has been accused of blocking ads entirely, instead of solely targeting malicious software. (Photo/CNS)
Kingsoft Security, a Chinese internet security firm, has met with strong protest in the world's largest smartphone market for creating an app that allegedly blocks mobile ads, reports Guangzhou's 21st Century Economic Herald.
Kingsoft offered the first trial edition of a Chinese-language app called "Shou Ji Du Ba" on Aug. 29 for users to download free on their mobile devices. The app targets banner ads, pop-out ads and malware that could steal private information.
The company said those ads have formed a "black chain industry" which reaped about 300 million yuan (US$47.4 million) last year by luring users into downloading harmful software.
The app unexpectedly brought about opposition from companies competing in the booming industry. A total of 19 advertising agencies and software developers, like Chinese mobile advertising network Domob, published a joint statement last Friday, accusing the app of threatening the survival of developers as well as creating unnecessary challenges in the business operations of the mobile internet.
"The initial purpose of the app (by Kingsoft) was to intercept malicious ads, but eventually it blocked all ads," the statement said.
Banner advertising has been accepted by the global market. Kingsoft however, added a option to close banner ads, which undoubtedly altered the display, Zhang He, CEO of Domob, told the newspaper.
"Malicious ads are indeed a black sheep in this industry, but the industry has not reached a consensus on its definition," Zhang was quoted by the newspaper as saying.
Fu Sheng, CEO of Kingsoft, said it only offers a trial edition and there are many bugs that need to be fixed. In response to complaints of the app mistakenly removing other apps on the same mobile device, the company said they have fixed the bug.
Fu promised they will discuss the definition of "malicious ads" with advertising agencies and software developers to figure out a solution which can be accepted by all parties.
