Don't know if this has been remarked on anywhere else but I was registering for Quake Live and decided to read the EULA (ya know, for any surprises) and discovered some lines in the PunkBuster section that I found disturbing:
Considering this discovery and, pending any future changes, I'm not gonna use Quake Live. Though the intention of PunkBuster may be well-intended I just can't support or tolerate these sort of policies where I must compromise my security and privacy for something trivial. I wish the gaming community didn't have to deal with such concerns as invasion of privacy or some rootkit getting installed just to play games on their PCs. Things like this for me, at least, mire something that is just supposed to be just pure fun. ID, please reconsider using PunkBuster.
[H]'ers, what is your stance on such things? Have you also discovered such things before installing a game?
Licensee further acknowledges and accepts that PunkBuster software may be considered invasive. Licensee understands that PunkBuster software inspects and reports information about the computer on which it is installed to other connected computers and Licensee agrees to allow PunkBuster software to inspect and report such information about the computer on which Licensee installs PunkBuster software. Licensee understands and agrees that the information that may be inspected and reported by PunkBuster software includes, but is not limited to, Licensee's Internet Protocol Address, devices and any files residing on the hard-drive and in the memory of the computer on which PunkBuster software is installed. Licensee acknowledges and agrees that if Licensee does not want Licensor to collect and process such information, Licensee should not use the PunkBuster software. Further, Licensee consents to allow PunkBuster software to transfer actual screenshots taken of Licensee's computer during the operation of PunkBuster software for possible publication. Licensee understands that the purpose and goal of PunkBuster is to ensure a cheat-free environment for all participants in online games. Licensee agrees that the invasive nature of PunkBuster software is necessary to meet this purpose and goal. Licensee agrees that any harm or lack of privacy resulting from the installation and use of PunkBuster software is not as valuable to Licensee as the potential ability to play interactive online games with the benefits afforded by using PunkBuster software.
Considering this discovery and, pending any future changes, I'm not gonna use Quake Live. Though the intention of PunkBuster may be well-intended I just can't support or tolerate these sort of policies where I must compromise my security and privacy for something trivial. I wish the gaming community didn't have to deal with such concerns as invasion of privacy or some rootkit getting installed just to play games on their PCs. Things like this for me, at least, mire something that is just supposed to be just pure fun. ID, please reconsider using PunkBuster.
[H]'ers, what is your stance on such things? Have you also discovered such things before installing a game?