WeatherBug - Spyware/Adware/Malware Concerns

Spyware/Adware/Malware Concerns

In 2005, Microsoft AntiSpyware, since renamed Windows Defender, flagged WeatherBug as a spyware program, but this classification was removed. The program is adware, including both banner and pop-up ads, but may be upgraded for $19.95 to WeatherBug Plus, which does not include advertising. Early versions were difficult to uninstall and warned users not to remove WeatherBug since it could "save your life". WeatherBug announced in 2004 it had been certified to display the TRUSTe privacy seal on its website. In 2005, the editor of PC Magazine wrote an article entitled "WeatherBug is Not Spyware" and referred to it as "a handy app." However, Weatherbug also seems to block access to sites with instructions on how to remove Weatherbug.