The Truste group"s goal of creating an online ecosystem through which software makers are held accountable for the functions of their programs and end users are given the power to keep unwanted applications off their devices won"t be achieved easily, according to security researchers and participants in the nonprofit"s Trusted Downloads project. Launched by Truste in mid-February 2007, the Trusted Download Program aims to certify downloadable consumer software programs in the name of diminishing the ability of schemers to rain adware and malware onto the machines of unwitting end users.
By forcing members of its applications" white list to disclose the entire functional impact of their programs on end users" machines, and requiring that software distributors obtain explicit permission from consumers before downloading any products onto their computers, Truste is hoping to become a virtual clearinghouse for trustworthy software distribution. However, perhaps even more important than holding the software makers accountable for the content and delivery of their programs, Truste is also trying to force companies participating in the program to ensure that their distribution affiliates are held to the same rigorous disclosure and download standards.