Potentially unwanted applications (PUAs) include any program you might not have chosen to install onto your device. This is where legal boundaries become blurred. However, not all application downloads are consensual. It is a valid and legal way to give customers a free product. Legitimate adware is created by all types of developers, including reputable ones.
Sometimes the accompanying personalized ads or sponsored third-party software can be desirable. Also, you might choose to allow it to collect marketing information.
Users willingly download this type of adware to get a free product. Legitimate adware that allows you to consent to ads and software promos, offsetting developer costs so they can offer their software for free. It is important to distinguish between harmless and harmful adware. At the more harmful end, it can be a damaging malware threat to your cybersecurity. Once the developer has your location and browser history, they can make additional income by selling that information to third parties.Īt the less harmful end of the spectrum, adware is simply a nuisance.