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Not a virus but not quite an ad....
A new irritant is spreading around the AOL instant messenger network in the form of a web-based game, tricking even users who are normally cautious about what they install. Once installed, the game effectively turns your PC into an IM spamming irritation machine. Most antivirus applications aren't catching the pest according to users in our security forum - because it's technically categorized as Adware and explains what it does in the program's TOS.
The TOS informs users the application will "modify the instant messenger software, deliver additional content such as advertisements and promotional messages." Users are also informed that the software "will interoperate with your current instant messaging client so as to permit the automatic sending of advertising messages originating from your computer to your contact or 'buddy' list regarding content offered by PSD Tools or its suppliers."
Windows users should be able to remove the "buddylinks.net Messaging Integration" application from the add/remove option in their control panel, though some claim doing so erases their AOL Instant Messenger profiles, and other say it simply re-installs itself. Both Wired News and InfoWorld have additional detail.
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