Always Read the License!

I recently found a very disturbing license agreement that comes with the latest patch to a popular computer game. In addition to a standalone version, this game can be played online against other players. Some shady people are known hack into the program to "improve" their chances in online play, so Even Balance, a company in Spring, Texas, came up with a program called PunkBuster. Its purpose is to prevent cheating on an on-line gaming board. Cheating is bad, sure. But take a look at this license agreement:

Licensee understands that PunkBuster software inspects and reports information about the computer on which it is installed to other connected computers and Licensee agrees to allow PunkBuster software to inspect and report such information about the computer on which Licensee installs PunkBuster software. Licensee understands and agrees that the information that may be inspected and reported by PunkBuster software includes, but is not limited to, devices and any files residing on the hard-drive and in the memory of the computer on which PunkBuster software is installed. Further, Licensee consents to allow PunkBuster software to transfer actual screenshots taken of Licensee's computer during the operation of PunkBuster software for possible publication.

There's no way anyone should agree to a license like that. Ever. Yet you can't install the patch to get stability and performance improvements unless you also accept Punkbuster. I sent them an email but they haven't responded. (Surprised?)