Gator/Claria makes its money through advertising. In fact, in their SEC S1 filing (Note: 4 megabyte document!) they had revenues of over $100 million dollars! Many of those advertisers are not aware how users have been unwittingly drafted into Claria's ad network via confusing tactics. The challenge for us is to get the message to these companies, and there is one group that can effectively deliver that message: customers and potential customers.

Make your voice heard

Below is a list of Claria's biggest advertisers compiled from Gator's S1 filing with the SEC. Do you see any companies on the list whose products or services you use? How does it make you feel to know that their money–your money–is going to Claria? If you are one of the many users who has found Claria software on your PC and know that you didn't give it permission to be there, let these companies know. Tell them they should find a better way to reach their potential customers, and that you have no interest in doing business with a company that supports Claria.

Yahoo/Overture

Nearly one-third of Claria's revenue comes from its deal with Overture, now part of Yahoo. We've taken a look at Search Scout, the program that pops up Overture ads when Claria is running, and were unimpressed. Given Yahoo's reputation in the Internet industry and the harm that Claria can do to Yahoo's own sites, it's very surprising that they have continued their relationship with Claria. Can consumer feedback change their minds? We hope so. Go to http://help.yahoo.com and click on the "Ad feedback" link at the bottom of the page. Also, send feedback directly to the Overture division at feedback@overture.com.

Claria's Top 20 Advertisers

If you currently use or have considered using the products and services of any of these companies, let them know that you do not approve of Claria's methods.

Advertisers: Please let us know if you would like to comment regarding your company's relationship with Claria, or if you would like to change your contact information. Our goal is to make your company aware of consumer concerns about Claria. Let us know when you've gotten the message.

Notes

RateMyMortgage.com - A representative of this company threatened PC Pitstop with a lawsuit, so the company seems fully aware–if not proud–of its relationship with Claria. As of July 2005, their web site appears to have disappeared.

Date.com - In July 2004, a representative of Date.com informed us that they have stopped doing business with Claria. Thank you, Date.com!