Rumor: Tencent Improves QQ, Qihoo 360 Software Compatibility
Sohu IT, 11/04/10
According to an industry source close to both companies, Chinese internet firm Tencent (0700.HK) quietly improved QQ Instant Messenger's compatibility with software from Chinese online security software developer Qihoo 360 early this morning. The move to reduce conflicts between the two companies' software came after Tencent issued a statement yesterday calling for users to "choose one."
Based on incomplete surveys, Chinese internet users have not responded to Tencent's "you're either with me or against me strategy," and many computers still have both Tencent and Qihoo 360 software installed.
This morning, Tencent senior management said that the blocking of computers running Qihoo 360 software will be gradual and be conducted in blocks of QQ account numbers, but so far no deadlines have been put into effect. Qihoo 360 responded in a public notice to users this morning, stating it is recalling its QQ privacy application "360 Koukou Guard" and asked users to voluntarily uninstall the software. Qihoo 360 explained that it was temporarily suspending use of the software pending receiving relevant government permits. Yesterday evening, Qihoo 360 also announced it was closing the official website and downloads for the program.
Yesterday evening, Tencent specified three conditions for resolving the matter: first, Qihoo 360 must uninstall "360 Koukou Guard" and "360 Privacy Protector" from users' computers; second, Qihoo 360 must cease interfering with Tencent's or any other provider's legal software, and publicly pledge to cease such interference, cease releasing software that attacks Tencent products, and cease any misappropriation of Tencent user data; and third, publicly apologize and offer Tencent financial compensation.
Editor's Note: Xinhua reports that Qihoo 360 president Qi Xiangdong said that China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and Ministry of Public Security are now attempting to resolve the dispute. For more background on this topic, please see "Tencent: QQ Disabled on Systems Running Qihoo 360" MD 11/03/10 issue.
Keywords: anti-virus Qi Xiangdong Internet security software Tencent QQ MIIT Ministry of Public Security 0700.HK Qihoo 360 instant messaging law
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