OK, I should have included the entire Perplexity Pro thread. I didn’t mention Bartender when asking the AI about Setapp’s security record. Here is the entire thread:
Query: “Do you know of any instances of malware or spyware being distributed on the Setapp platform?”
Proplexity answer:
"There are no confirmed instances of malware or spyware being distributed on the Setapp platform. However, there have been concerns and discussions among users regarding the security and trustworthiness of Setapp and some of its associated applications.
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User Concerns: Some users have expressed concerns about Setapp behaving like malware. For instance, a user on the MacRumors forum described Setapp as “almost malware” due to persistent issues with unwanted apps appearing in the “Open With” menu even after Setapp was uninstalled[1]. Another user on the Apple Community forum reported difficulties in completely removing Setapp from their system, raising suspicions about its behavior[4].
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Reassurances and Trust: On the other hand, many users and experts have defended Setapp, stating that it is not malware. Discussions on the Mac Power Users forum highlight that Setapp is respected among Mac users and developers, and it includes reputable applications like Ulysses and PDFPen[2]. Additionally, Setapp has undergone audits and certifications to ensure its security, as mentioned in their Trust Center[15].
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Developer Verification: There are questions about the verification process for apps on Setapp. While Apple performs some level of quality assurance on apps in the Mac App Store, it is unclear if Setapp has a similar rigorous process. However, Setapp claims to curate high-quality apps and has a thorough screening process[3][8].
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Privacy and Security Policies: Setapp’s privacy policy outlines their commitment to protecting user data and explains the data collection practices. They emphasize that they do not collect or transfer personal data without user consent[7].
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Specific Incidents: There was an incident where Setapp removed AdGuard from its platform due to allegations of connecting to Russian servers, which AdGuard denied, stating their servers are located in Germany[6]. This incident highlights Setapp’s proactive stance on security concerns, even if the allegations were later refuted.
In summary, while there have been user concerns and discussions about Setapp’s behavior, there is no concrete evidence of malware or spyware being distributed through the platform. Setapp maintains that it is a secure and reputable service, supported by audits and a curated selection of apps.
Citations:
[1] Setapp has insidious and scary behavior. | MacRumors Forums
[2] Seeking reassurance about Setapp and CleanMyMac
[3] Setapp & Security / Dev Trustworthiness
[4] https://discussions.apple.com/thread/8611495
[5] Spyware removal guide: How to get rid of spyware on Mac in seconds
[6] https://www.reddit.com/r/Adguard/comments/tal21m/official_response_from_adguard_to_setapp/
[7] Privacy Policy | Setapp
[8] https://macpaw.com/setapp
[9] https://macpaw.com
[10] How to scan and remove malware from Mac
[11] https://www.reddit.com/r/mac/comments/e7k0d8/wasnt_sure_if_setapp_subscription_is_worth_it_so/
[12] A Day Without Business – Charlie Monroe
[13] MacPaw's Setapp becomes one of the first to agree to Apple's controversial DMA rules | TechCrunch
[14] How secure is Setapp? | Nudge Security
[15] https://support.setapp.com/hc/en-us/articles/115000890969-Are-Setapp-apps-safe
[16] x.com
[17] https://www.reddit.com/r/Setapp/comments/omvqik/is_setapp_now_spyware/"
Note that Perplexity lists its sources.
In the interest of brevity, I had previously posted only the summary. Perplexity’s answer provides no guarantees regarding Setapp’s security, but considering the hundreds of apps that it provides, I think that Setapp has an outstanding record. If the version of Bartender provided to Setapp becomes problematic, I don’t think that it will make it onto the platform.