No.
The BansheeHQ does not impliment spyware/adware/malware, etc. The new look and upgrades were intended for YOU the members, otherwise I wouldn't have spend ungodly amount of time upgrading and maintaining it.
Cookies: IPB is a more advanced forum than most out there. They use cookies for many things such as keeping you logged in when requested, remembering 'read' topics, etc. Rather than keeping a lot in the database, which would cause it to grow exponentially, it uses small cookies for that. No sensitive information, if you look into the cookies, are stored within.
Scripts: The only scripts running during your visit around the forums, are the forums themselves, any plugins (which you can see [i.e. Arcade, Gallery, Chat, etc] And ad-serving scripts for our sponsors.
I do everything I can and as promptly as possible to keep the site up, running smoothly, and up-to-date.
I'm an advocator of the fight against sneaky practices the adware/spyware industry takes. It's not right for the consumer and internet contributors. Spyware/Malware poses security risks and information sharing which the BansheeHQ has never, nor never will do. The BHQ is supported only by sponsors and premium members.
Any questions on any issues, please feel free.