Spyware bill passes US House

LincLinc OwnerDetroit Icrontian
edited October 2004 in Science & Tech
The US House of Representatives has passed a bill that would strangle spyware. They hope to have a Senate version presented today, and to have it signed into law by the end of the year.
It aims to prevent spyware purveyors from hijacking a homepage or tracking users' keystrokes. It also requires that spyware programs be easily identifiable and removable and allows for the collection of personal information only after express consent from users. The bill exponentially increases fines against abusers as well.
DO IT FASTER!! :D

Source: Wired

Comments

  • QCHQCH Ancient Guru Chicago Area - USA Icrontian
    edited October 2004
    Sweet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • primesuspectprimesuspect Beepin n' Boopin Detroit, MI Icrontian
    edited October 2004
    Last I heard, spam and telemarketing phone calls were illegal too :(
  • CycloniteCyclonite Tampa, Florida Icrontian
    edited October 2004
    Yeah, this is cool, but will it really help? I'm doubtful... :/
  • MountainDew
    edited October 2004
    This surely isnt going to stop spyware altogether, but its a large step in the right direction. its about darn time.
  • DexterDexter Vancouver, BC Canada
    edited October 2004
    A good chunk of this problem already lays offshore, safely out of reach of whatever the US House or Representatives pronounces. This will just move the rest of it off-shore as well.

    Dexter...
  • LincLinc Owner Detroit Icrontian
    edited October 2004
    Defining its illegality, as MtDew said, is the step that had to happen first. We track virus creators across borders - hopefully the days for these bastards are numbered as well now.

    Prime, telemarketing is illegal if you get yourself on the 'do not call' list. Its legality has been challenged and I'm not sure of its current status. Spam legislation seems to have loopholes, but I've noticed that most all my 'explicit-content' spam is now clearly labelled as such per a law that was created not too long ago...
  • Zero1Zero1 Independence, MO
    edited October 2004
    Unless the government is gonna have spam busters 24/7 this won't do much good. :bawling: :bawling:
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