Okay, now you also have to understand that your browser automatically comes with a number of security certificates, including one from Verisign. Thus, when you visit my secure site my certificate is retrieved. The browser sees that my certificate was granted by Verisign, and checks it's own certificates and finds Verisign. The browser then grants access to secure web page, since it has "proof" that I am who I say I am. This means that a secure channel is now set up so browser can talk to web site (and vice versa) without fear of someone listening in on conversation.

So in other words, Verisign is simply a trusted organization which verifies that people (and companies) are who they say they are.

Remember purpose of security certificates is merely to provide a means whereby you can trust entities (companies and people) on internet. A security certificate does not in any way imply a web site is "good", will protect your privacy or will deliver your products.

Let me stress that again - security certificates so not imply anything about a web site except that it is what it says it is. They DO NOT mean site is trustworthy or valuable.

According to other news reports, end user will have option to opt-out from this grand plan. The opt-out method (as well as compensation for those who opt-in) is unspecified at this time, but will most likely be insignificant.

The SEC filing is a very interesting document, and goes on to explain in exhilarating terms benefits and uses of this network. It's very clear that Brilliant see's lots of dollar signs in this concept.

Now for big question: what is benefit to end user? Absolutely nothing. In fact, end user's computer gets used to serve advertisements and perform other tasks as determined by Brilliant.

The disadvantages of this scheme are many:

Your computer gets used by others - Do you really want unknown, unnamed third parties to have direct access to your hard drive, memory and CPU power as well as your bandwidth? Do you want to trust this company, who covertly installed this software (yes, there is a clause in Terms and Conditions, but it's pretty small and in legalize) throughout world?

There is a risk of contamination - In theory, viruses and other dangers could be loaded onto your system. This is just another way for hackers and others to gain access and do whatever they want.

Your own documents could be at risk - Who knows what this software allows vendor to do? Perhaps they are looking over your hard drive...

Automatic updates could damage your system - Ever installed something on your computer which caused it to become unusable or damaged? Well, I'd bet this software will have (or already has) capability to update itself with new versions. Do you want to take risk?

How do they protect your privacy? - Do you think this company has any real concern for your privacy? These guys want to make money.

I could go on and on about this concept and software. My advice is simple and straightforward - delete it or don't install it. This is a stupid idea and it deserves to be buried with other bad internet concepts.