Micro Bill Systems

http://technology.guardian.co.uk/online/insideit/story/0,,2091393,00.html

Interesting article about how easy it is to mess up your computer by
clicking "yes" when trying to access a porn site! Interesting, though, that
the company now seeks to impede those who offer help removing the billing
program from your computer. Effectively you are prevented from using your
computer unless you pay up - a novel way of enforcing a debt. If that's
legal, maybe other debts could be enforced in a similar way.

"When Liz Humby allowed her two sons, aged seven and nine, to use her new
laptop, they did more than she bargained for. Although she thought them
well-briefed about safe surfing, her eldest accidentally installed the
program developed by Micro Bill Systems (MBS) of Leeds which provides a
subscription to sexxxpassport, a pornography site. Within days, that was
generating popups which stalled the machine for longer and longer, and
demanding payment of £19.99. ... "

"Removing the popup billing software has become a topic in the forums of PC
Advisor, a business and home PC user magazine in the UK. Briskman's advice
is that doing so is within your rights, although Micro Bill Systems may
pursue you for money - if you can be found.
"MBS could easily have found other ways of securing payment, such as taking
credit card details. They could have made it crystal clear to users that
their computers would be effectively disabled," says Briskman. "Its chosen
approach would be regarded by most of us as unfair and may well fall foul of
the regulations. Concerned consumers should complain to their local Trading
Standards and urge them to take action."
But what about those who enlist antivirus software to remove the MBS
product? MBS says it is considering legal action against Jacques Erasmus of
Prevx, following comments he made previously in the Guardian about the
company; it wants to stop Prevx's product from removing its software.
Symantec - which sells the Norton security products - has already agreed to
such demands.
Having received 191 inquiries, West Yorkshire Trading Standards knows all
about the problems that many consumers are experiencing. Broadly, though,
Trading Standards covering the Leeds area, where MBS operates, backs the
company's position. "West Yorkshire Trading Standards have recently held
meetings with the company in order to investigate complaints from concerned
consumers," says David Lodge, the divisional manager. "It would appear to be
very difficult to subscribe to the service without realising. As such, any
contracts that are entered into are likely to be legally binding." But he
says there will be further meetings with the company."


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