This spyware is bundled in many apps. It is simply a tool to collect data about your usage habits, who you talk to, what sites you visit, etc
I think avast should detect and warn me about apps that include this and similar spywares such as openfeint. In openfeints defence, I will admit at least they provide a service along side their data collection feature, but I should still be warned when this is bundled in an app and it should be my choice to install it or not.
The GetSocialize site lists some of the apps infected however I am sure many app developers have requested their app not be listed, and I’m sure that’s not a complete list anyway. Its also hard to remember which apps are infected.
These need to be detected as viruses, or at least PUPs, along with an option to disable/remove the app immediately upon detection. I’m aware some people want open feint, and others don’t care about data miners, but the option should be provided, since this IS unwanted software for many people.
With avast granted root access, it should be possible to scan other apps for this software, no?