Adobe Reader Tries to Trick Users Into Having McAfee Installed

[keifer.street]

The title says it all. I'm not the first to post this and I won't be the last, but this is an example of a dark pattern.

When one searches for Adobe Reader, the prompt has tiny text to have the McAfee Security Scan Plus - but what's worse... IT'S SELECTED BY DEFAULT, requiring users to see it and opt-out explicitly.

You've lost a lost of trust with me, Adobe. Please change this not to be selected by default. I don't know what contract you have with McAfee, but attempting to fool otherwise non-eagl e eyed users into having this bloatware installed alongside your product is immoral and wrong.

[Eric Dumas · Accepted solution]

Hi,

I recommend you suggest this update to https://acrobat.uservoice.com to add your voice to this change so the developers make the change.

[Dave Creamer of IDEAS]

The installer had this option for years. It's not a trick since it's right in front of the person. Users need to pay more attention to their installs--if they did there wouldn't be a need for virus software!  

However I do agree that it should be off by default. But it's "all about the Benjamins"!

[keifer.street]

[Moderator deleted private information. Please do not post private information like e-mails and phone numbers]

It is a trick though. I’ve been in computer science and IT for 15 years and I needed to quickly view a PDF and missed it the first time I ran the installer. 

When I saw it was installing McAfee, I immediately interrupted the service and went back to get the baseline version. 

If I barely caught it, that means 95% of average users didn’t. And that’s their plan. 

[keifer.street]

It is a trick though. I’ve been in computer science and IT for 15 years and I needed to quickly view a PDF and missed it the first time I ran the installer. 

When I saw it was installing McAfee, I immediately interrupted the service and went back to get the baseline version. 

If I barely caught it, that means 95% of average users didn’t. And that’s their plan

[Dave Creamer of IDEAS]

I agree it's their plan and I don't like it, but it's not hidden--that's why I don't call it a "trick".

[Mark37029915jjmb]

It should not be a default.  Moreover, it should be able to be uninstalled.  I've tried for hours to get the terrible McAfee virus off my computer without any luck.  Adobe has lost me as a customer.  This is shameful.  Why would Adobe partner with the devil?  McAfee is the worst most unresponsive and imposing program.  

[Dave Creamer of IDEAS]

Once in a while, when installing Reader, I forget to uncheck the McAfee option. However, I never had a problem immediantly uninstalling it.

I suspect McAfee pays Adobe by the install (just a guess), so if it was off by default, how many times would it get installed? Why Adobe needs the money is anyones guess...

[jane-e]

@keifer.street 

I've moved your post from Adobe Acrobat to Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Jane

[Abambo]

It's no more selected by default. But yes, it's unfortuneate that Adobe has or needs this sponsoring contract. 

[keifer.street]

It is selected by default. 100% it is. I just tried to install Adobe Reader on an extra laptop I had five minutes ago and it was selected by default. Your reply is incorrect.

[try67]

You're both correct (and incorrect): It depends on your region.

In the EU it's not selected by default, due to laws forcing an opt-in for such offers.

In the US (and probably elsewhere) it might be.

[Abambo]

Thanks for the clarification. Yes, I'm located in Europe.

[Marc36511149kyqw]

What an insanely malicious and dishonest move from Adobe. Why would you do this to us? Is anyone with a basic set of morals still working at Adobe?