Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the resurgence of concerns regarding "rogue software" in the Chinese PC ecosystem, particularly focusing on the security software "Ludashi" and its alleged deceptive practices in promoting third-party software and manipulating web traffic for profit [1][2]. Group 1: Allegations Against Ludashi - A recent report by Huorong identified nearly 30 domestic software programs, including Ludashi, as engaging in traffic hijacking and malicious promotion [1]. - The report claims that Ludashi uses fake close buttons to trick users into downloading unwanted software and inserts rebate parameters into legitimate links, allowing it to siphon off commissions from user searches without their consent [6][8]. - Ludashi's parent company, Chengdu Qilu Technology Co., Ltd., has seen a decline in user engagement and revenue, leading to a reliance on advertising for income, which now constitutes 99.9% of its revenue [14][15]. Group 2: Technical Mechanisms of Promotion - The report outlines various promotional tactics employed by the implicated software, including malicious promotion through deceptive user interactions and web link manipulation [4][6]. - A cloud control configuration module was identified as a key component in executing these promotional strategies, allowing for real-time adjustments based on user behavior [8][9]. - The software reportedly employs sophisticated evasion tactics, such as monitoring user browsing history to avoid targeting technically savvy individuals [9][10]. Group 3: Industry Context and Legal Challenges - The article highlights the broader issue of "rogue software" in the PC industry, which has persisted for over a decade, with users often facing difficulties in seeking redress due to high costs and lack of clear evidence [2][17]. - Legal experts note that while there are laws against deceptive practices, enforcement remains challenging due to the technical nature of these software behaviors and the difficulty in gathering evidence [18][19]. - The article suggests that regulatory measures need to be strengthened to deter such practices and encourage software companies to adopt legitimate business models [20].

Core Viewpoint - The report by Huorong highlights the presence of "rogue software" in the domestic PC ecosystem, particularly focusing on the well-known software Lu Da Shi, which is accused of deceptive advertising practices and traffic hijacking [2][3][10]. Group 1: Allegations Against Lu Da Shi - The report identifies Lu Da Shi as engaging in misleading practices, such as setting fake close buttons to trick users into downloading third-party software [2][4]. - Lu Da Shi is also accused of inserting rebate parameters into links on platforms like JD.com and Baidu, allowing the software to earn commissions without user consent [5][9]. - The software's operations are said to be controlled by a cloud-based configuration system, which allows for real-time adjustments to promotional strategies based on user behavior [5][6]. Group 2: Industry Context and Impact - The report indicates that Lu Da Shi, once a leading system evaluation software with a market share of nearly 99%, has seen a decline in user engagement and revenue due to changing market dynamics and regulatory challenges [10][11]. - The company's revenue heavily relies on online traffic monetization, with 99.9% of its income coming from this source, particularly from advertising, which has surged by 153% despite a general downturn in the advertising industry [11]. - The report suggests that the software's reliance on gray income models is a response to the challenges of finding stable monetization avenues in a competitive market [10][11]. Group 3: Regulatory and Legal Challenges - The report discusses the historical context of "rogue software" in China, noting previous attempts to combat it through collective lawsuits and the formation of advocacy groups, which have had limited success [12][13]. - Legal experts highlight the difficulties in defining and prosecuting "rogue software," as it often operates in a gray area between legitimate software and malware, complicating enforcement efforts [12][14]. - Recent regulations have begun to clarify the boundaries of acceptable advertising practices, but enforcement remains challenging due to the technical sophistication of these software programs [13][14].