[kopete-bugs] [Bug 188778] New: Kopete needs some mechanism for dealing with authorization request spam

[Stephan Sokolow]

https://bugs.kde.org/show_bug.cgi?id=188778

           Summary: Kopete needs some mechanism for dealing with
                    authorization request spam
           Product: kopete
           Version: 0.70.0
          Platform: unspecified
        OS/Version: Linux
            Status: UNCONFIRMED
          Severity: wishlist
          Priority: NOR
         Component: general
        AssignedTo: kopete-bugs at kde.org
        ReportedBy: kde_bugzilla_2 at ssokolow.com


Version:           0.70.0 (using 4.2.1 (KDE 4.2.1), Gentoo)
Compiler:          x86_64-pc-linux-gnu-gcc
OS:                Linux (x86_64) release 2.6.25-gentoo-r7-20080501

Kopete allows the user to only accept messages from people on the contact list
(last I checked, GAIM refused to do that for ICQ because it might confuse
spammers or friends familiar with the official ICQ client) but there's no
similar provision for authorization requests.

Lately, I've been getting 2 to 6 authorization requests per day from spammers
and I'm finding them very distracting and irritating. Since they're always
different nicks, blacklisting would do no good. 

Here are some suggested methods for solving the problem:

1. Provide an "Accept authorization requests" checkbox in the preferences.
Users who are bothered by such spam can either toggle it manually when giving
out their contact info or always ask for the other person's nick instead.
(Simplest to implement, but most inconvenient)

2. Allow the user to set services messages to expire after a certain amount of
time. Combined with already extant support for disabling notifications, this
would sweep unexpected requests under the rug while allowing expected ones
through. (Of course, unexpected doesn't necessarily mean unwanted... especially
if you're the type to give out your IM info when meeting people in person)

3. Like option 1, but instead, allow it to be added to the contact list window.
(Less bothersome than option 1 for people who frequently gain friends)

4. Support authorization request whitelisting. (Like option 1, but compatible
with swapping IM information in-person because you don't have to know when
they're going to add you)

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