Andre Yoskowitz
30 Aug 2010 0:49
The FTC has dropped their investigation into whether LimeWire put user's identities at risk of theft saying that the latest versions of the software have much-improved safeguards.
In a letter, the FTC said research "showed consumers continue to inadvertently share sensitive documents via peer-to-peer software like LimeWire," and that it is necessary for distributors of the software to "act more responsibly and provide safeguards against inadvertent sharing."
Despite LimeWire drastically improving its service, the FTC says the company still needs to improve the client for less tech savvy consumers.
But it said LimeWire still has to improve its service further for less savvy consumers.
"We remain concerned, however, about consumers who are still using insecure legacy versions and are therefore subject to a risk of inadvertent sharing of sensitive, personal information," write the FCC. "We expect LimeWire to continue to advise consumers to upgrade legacy versions of its software because of the potential safety benefits of doing so."
LimeWire responded: "We have incorporated many safeguards and have taken active steps to educate users of current and older software versions to avoid disclosure of sensitive information."