Microsoft Revokes MVP Status For AdWare Bundling
Cyril Paciullo, known as Patchou, lost his Most Valuable Professional standing from Microsoft after complaints that his popular program, Windows Live Messenger Plus, contained AdWare. Patchou had received the award, given to community leaders who provide assistance to Microsoft customers, “on the basis of his technical expertise and strong community contribution”. The award gives the recipient MVP status for a year, setting the person up as a trusted expert.
Following Patchou’s award, many other MVPs and security experts complained that his program, Messenger Plus, came bundled with Lop, a particularly nasty adware program. While Patchou had changed the type of adware and the installation process multiple times due to complaints from users, it remained part of the program since it was the only way it earned money. In order to maintain the integrity of the MVP program, Microsoft had no choice but to revoke his status.
