Although Symantec refers to Bonzi as Adware, such behaviour is typical for spyware. Spyware Guide's entry on the program states that it is adware.Īnti-virus company Trend Micro classifies the software as adware in their spyware/grayware listings, but not malware.Īnti-virus company Symantec states that BonziBUDDY may collect usage statistics when certain keywords are typed in the browser.

Some variants may also modify the browser start page without informing the user.

The Spyware Removal Database at Safer Networking (makers of Spybot â€“ Search & Destroy) states 'BonziBuddy is an Internet Explorer toolbar that may change your web browser settings, change your home page, and launch pop-up advertisements while tracking your web browsing habits.' Adware:Win32/BonziBUDDY is a program that may deliver unwanted advertisements and ask users for personal information. Among the activities the program is said to engage in include constantly resetting the user's web browser homepage to without the user's permission, prompting and tracking various information about the user, and serving advertisements. In 2002 an article in Consumer Reports Web Watch labelled BonziBUDDY as spyware, stating that it contains a Backdoor Santa in that it collects information from users. A number of sources identify BonziBUDDY as spyware, a claim the company disputes.

Is bonzi buddy virus or malware