The implications aren’t fully adware in the immediate look, Stopbadware.org published a report on the new AOL warning of “Badware Behavior” and bad or undisclosed behavior in the free version install of AOL 9.0. Offences include the installation of additional software without disclosure including AOL toolbar and additional icons in the Internet Explorer toolbar; interference with computer use that requires users to take action; automatic software updates and failure to uninstall software completely.
StopBadware contacted AOL and has posted that AOL is reviewing the report and plans to address the issues. In the meantime the watchdog group advises users don’t install the software unless they are aware of the level of risk outlined in the report.