Apparently Microsoft is considering a move that would legitimize Adware. According to this article (free reg req.) Microsoft is in talks to purchase Claria, formerly known as Gator.

Claria has recently been trying to clean up their image, but while Gator they were one of the worst of intrusive adware “solutions.”

If this deal does go through I think it will be a very bad sign for the industry as it will immediately legitimize these types of companies. The entire goal for the founders and owners of Claria was to position themselves for a buyout and thus big cashout. The $500 Million that is reportedly being offered, will thus reward the people driving one of the worst quasi-legal scams introduced to the online world in the past few years.

(via MarketingVOX)

Update: It looks like Microsoft is already helping Claria by downgrading the possibility of removal through their anti-spyware tool. There’s a bit of debate on when this change actually ocurred but it obviously looks like they’re already playing favorites here.