Kazaa"s file swapping software downloads are again in the spotlight following complaints regarding New.net software, which comes bundled with the popular P2P download.
Launched in March last year, New.net offers access to a series of domain names such as .shop and .sport, through partnerships with ISPs in Europe and the US.
However, at the centre of the latest controversy is the distribution of New.net"s software through affiliate partners iMesh, BearShare, Kazaa, and Grokster.
The software in question is designed recognise domain names hosted by New.net, and add a .new.net suffix, so that non-partner ISPs can direct them to the appropriate IP address (for example, book.shop would be modified to book.shop.new.net).
New.net CEO David Hernand told ZDNet Australia that such affiliate partners were paid to distribute software which would allow end users access to the New.net domains, and accounted for about half of its 100 million subscribers.
However, Hernand took pains to point out that affilitate members were expected to make end users fully aware of the presence of the New.net software accompanying their downloads.