The addition of safe search or “ask.com” safe search or Norton safe search is a breach of ethics if not a breach of trust and security as well. I have been a loyal Norton/Symantec customer for many years, more now than I can actually remember, I think 10 or so. In all that time, though all the ups and downs, through the messed up updates and the incompatibility issue I have stayed with Norton.
Because I believed them to be above reproach, because for me and those that I have worked for, installing multitudes of Symantec products over the years they have been fairly bullet proof. I was loyal to the point of loyalty without question. I have read this forum many many times, and dismissed the claims of others saying that Norton was evil, and wanting vengeance and advocating that Norton was the basis of many of the computer related problems in the world. Silly things like Symantec were actually manufacturing viruses so as to boost the need for their product. I really never took any stock in all of that.
But since the update that installed this new search tool on my system, and having it branded with a singular search provider, I have to question the company ethics. In their own admission “ our goal in partnering with a search provider was to create a custom search environment that we could have greater influence over from a safety perspective.”
As a security company protecting me as an internet user, I don’t feel it is their job to influence my experience in any way shape or form other than to do the job of providing security. And yes I understand that it can all be disabled, and that I don’t have to use it, and no they are not in any way trying to divert users into using it. Except to say that using it will provide the safest web surfing experience, and that by default it will be shipped as turned off. OK, then why add it at all?
Does Symantec actually believe the computing public is that stupid as to believe it isn’t about the money? Power and corruption come with new found money of the sort that Symantec just went after in a large way. I have been in the computer industry for many years, and all these years I have recommend and installed thousands of Norton or Symantec products. When 2009 arrived on the scene, I made sure all my customers were updated and upgraded to it because I was very pleased with the new sleek and trim operation of the product. Every one and I mean everyone followed my advice and bought the new version or upgraded. I sent out a client email that ended as follows in support of the new 2009 internet security program.
“In conclusion, as a person who sees ALL kinds of computer issues, I am putting my full endorsement behind Norton Internet Security 2009. It is by far the best product ever from Symantec.”
I put my reputation on the line, endorsing what was a fine product. But now with this ethical break, I feel the integrity of the company has been severely compromised and I for one am no longer able to endorse the company or the products they sell. One sellout leads to another and another, if they can compromise on this issue, what else are they willing to compromise on concerning your security.
This brings to mind the 2008 movie “Eagle Eye” where the computer decides what is best for the human race or the old movie war games that teaches the lesson that sometimes the only winning move is not to play at all? Symantec, you went too far.