US to outlaw Spyware

[rolfw]

House votes to outlaw computer spyware



The U.S. House of Representatives on Monday voted to establish new penalties for purveyors of spyware, Reuters reports.

The House passed two bills that prohibit a number of practices often associated with spyware, such as reprograming the start page on a user's Web browser, logging keystrokes to capture passwords and other sensitive data, or launching pop-up ads that can't be closed without shutting down the computer.

The House voted 395 to 1 to impose jail sentences of up to 2 years. Violators could face fines up to $3 million per incident. Those who use spyware to commit other crimes, such as identity theft, could have an additional 5 years tacked on to their sentences.

Spyware can end up on users' computers through a virus or when they download games or other free programs off the Internet.


http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=internetNews&storyID=8581953

 

[Topper]

So then when are they arresting Bill Gates for the Alexis key in Internet Explorer??? ({})

 

[T_G]

Well, I can only applaud such a law. I wish they would use the 3 strikes and out rule on this as wel, especially those who end up with mature content advertising on kids computers.

 

[BGonaSTICK]

Excellent. It'll now become an insignificant problem, like spam!

 

[PaulR]

The House voted 395 to 1

Who was the one representative who voted aginst?

I think we should be told.

and his e-mail address as well preferably

PaulR