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RealPlayer

The latest version of RealPlayer 11, available from real.com, does not appear to exhibit the badware behaviors addressed in this alert. As version 10.5 and earlier builds of version 11 are no longer widely distributed, the alert has been archived as of April 3, 2009.

We find that RealPlayer 10.5 is badware because it fails to accurately and completely disclose the fact that it installs advertising software on the user's computer. We additionally find that RealPlayer 11 is badware because it does not disclose the fact that it installs Rhapsody Player Engine software, and fails to remove this software when RealPlayer is uninstalled.

We currently recommend that users do not install the versions of RealPlayer software that we tested, unless the user is comfortable with the software behaviors we identify or until the application is updated to be consistent with the recommendations contained in this report.

RealPlayer 11 is currently promoted by RealNetworks at www.real.com.
RealPlayer 10.5 is distributed through channels such as Mozilla Firefox's 'Missing Plug-in' feature and the BBC Radio website.


OVERALL RATING

BAD OR UNDISCLOSED BEHAVIOR

Software does not fully, accurately, clearly, and conspicuously disclose the principal and significant features and functionality of the application prior to installation (guideline II.A.a.iii.)

The advertising software bundled with RealPlayer is misleadingly called a 'message center', and is described incompletely and inconspicuously in the EULA as software designed to provide useful software updates. When RealPlayer 10.5 is installed, the advertising features of this 'message center' are enabled by default for users who choose not to register their personal information with RealNetworks after the software is installed.

Software which installs deceptively (guideline III.A.)

RealPlayer 11 does not disclose that it installs Rhapsody Player Engine, and does not remove this software when RealPlayer is uninstalled. Users are not informed by the installer or uninstaller of the connection between RealNetworks and Rhapsody Player Engine.

Recommendations

We recommend that RealNetworks, Inc. makes the following changes:

Provide clear, conspicuous text preceding the installation and separate from the EULA, in addition to full disclosure in the EULA, that explains the nature of the 'message center's advertising behavior. It is critical that this makes it clear to users at the time of installation that this advertising software is present, and that it will be enabled by default in RealPlayer 10.5 if the user decides to exit the program's registration screen without submitting their personal information.
Provide similar clear, conspicuous text describing the fact that Rhapsody Player Engine will also be installed with RealPlayer 11, and clearly describe the significant features and behaviors of this separate application. Also, inform users that the Rhapsody Player Engine software will have to be uninstalled separately, or add the option of uninstalling the Rhapsody Player Engine to the RealPlayer uninstaller.

We currently recommend that users do not install the versions of RealPlayer that we tested, unless the user is comfortable with the software behaviors we identify or until the application is updated to be consistent with the recommendations in this report.

This alert represents StopBadware's findings during our initial testing period. Additional badware behaviors that were not initially detected may exist in the application.

For more information, visit www.stopbadware.org.

REPORT INFORMATION

APPLICATION INFORMATION

SOFTWARE VERSION
Versions 10.5 and 11 were obtained on January 24, 2008.

SELF-IDENTIFICATION
From the RealPlayer installer:
"RealPlayer, the all-in-one digital media player that lets you find anything and play everything."

PRODUCER
RealPlayer is created by RealNetworks, Inc. and is distributed directly through Real.com and through affiliates like the BBC Radio Online and the 'Plugin Finder Service' used by Mozilla Firefox.

OBTAINED
We obtained RealPlayer 10.5 through two sources: Mozilla Firefox's 'Plugin Finder Service' and from Real.com. RealPlayer 11 was also obtained from Real.com

BUNDLING
RealPlayer 11 installs the Rhapsody Player Engine software without the user's knowledge or consent. It also offers to install additional software from Google, but provides proper disclosure and consent opportunities for this software.