Introduction
In the early 2000s, a quirky desktop assistant named Bonzi Buddy took the internet by storm. Developed by Bonzi Software, this purple animated gorilla offered features like reading websites aloud and telling jokes. At its peak, Bonzi Buddy had over 4 million users. However, it soon gained notoriety as spyware and faced multiple lawsuits. By 2005, Bonzi Buddy was shut down.
Bonzi Buddy exemplifies the wild west days of early internet software. While innovative, it pushed ethical boundaries. This is the story of how a viral hit crashed and burned into internet infamy.
The Rise of Bonzi Buddy
Bonzi Buddy’s origins trace back to Microsoft Agent in the late 90s. Microsoft created animated characters to interact with users via speech bubbles and text-to-speech. Sensing a business opportunity, Bonzi Software developed its own desktop assistant.
In 1999, Bonzi Buddy was released. Its silly personality and ability to read text aloud made it fun and useful. It informed users of events, recommended websites, and provided entertainment. Although supposedly free temporarily, ads encouraged buying a $40 version.
Bonzi Buddy quickly gained popularity, especially among young users who enjoyed the quirky free entertainment.
Shady Practices and Downfall
However, concerns emerged about Bonzi Buddy’s practices. It required personal data during setup and transmitted information in questionable ways. Suspicious pop-ups appeared redirecting users to Bonzi Software’s other products.
By 2002, Bonzi Buddy was widely accused of spyware. Critics highlighted how it reset browsers, tracked usage, and served ads without permission. Bonzi Software faced multiple lawsuits, including for deceptive pop-ups and COPPA violations for data collection from children.
Bad press and legal issues mounted. By 2005, Bonzi Buddy was shut down. The controversial software had morphed from a viral hit into a notorious spyware.
Bonzi Buddy’s Legacy
Despite the controversy, Bonzi Buddy gained a cult following. Fansites emulate the original Bonzi Software site and share nostalgic downloads. However, vintage versions lack problematic features with the ad servers long shuttered.
While legally questionable, Bonzi Buddy represents the experimental early days of downloadable software. It serves as a cautionary tale for the need to balance innovation and ethics in software development.
Conclusion
Bonzi Buddy exploded into popularity by offering a unique virtual assistant for its time. However, spyware concerns and legal issues became its downfall. Though gone, Bonzi Buddy remains an intriguing chapter of internet history.
