NEWARK, N.J. (AP) - The state of New Jersey has reached a settlement with a software developer accused of helping websites generate revenue by gaining access to viewers’ computers without their knowledge.
The company, Tidbit, makes software that mines virtual currency known as Bitcoin.
Acting Attorney General John J. Hoffman announced Tuesday the company has agreed to stop accessing computers without owners’ consent. The settlement also includes a $25,000 penalty that will be vacated within two years if the company follows the settlement terms.
Tidbit’s developer, Massachusetts resident Jeremy Rubin, offered the software to website developers who could earn money by using the computers of visitors to their site to “mine” Bitcoins.
New Jersey authorities say they don’t believe Tidbit was created to invade users’ privacy, and Hoffman says Rubin cooperated with investigators.
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