[IP] Senate committee passes spyware bill
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Senate committee passes spyware bill
Date: Sun, 20 Nov 2005 09:26:52 -0500 (EST)
From: EEkid@xxxxxxx
To: dave@xxxxxxxxxx
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*Senate committee passes spyware bill*
Spyblock Act would also outlaw installation of adware without a user's
permission
By Grant Gross, IDG News Service
November 18, 2005
WASHINGTON - A U.S. Senate committee has approved a bill that would
outlaw the practice of remotely installing software that collects a
computer users' personal information without consent.
In addition to prohibiting spyware, the Spyblock (Software Principles
Yielding Better Levels of Consumer Knowledge) Act would also outlaw the
installation of adware programs without a computer user's permission.
The Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee approved the
bill Thursday.
Spyblock, sponsored by Senator Conrad Burns, a Montana Republican, would
prohibit hackers from remotely taking over a computer and prohibit
programs that hijack Web browsers. The bill would protect antispyware
software vendors from being sued by companies whose software they block.
"I am pleased that a majority of the committee agrees with me that
Congress must act to protect the right of consumers to know when
potentially dangerous Spyware is being downloaded onto their computers,"
Burns said in a statement. "As the Spyblock Act moves forward to the
Senate floor, I hope we can continue making it a stronger bill by making
sure the private sector has all the right tools it needs to successfully
slow the spread of malicious spyware."
The Spyblock Act now moves to the full Senate for consideration. The
U.S. House of Representatives passed two antispyware bills in October
2004 and again in May, but the Senate has so far failed to act on
spyware legislation.
The Spyblock Act would allow the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and state
attorneys general to seek civil penalties against spyware and adware
distributors.
http://www.infoworld.com/article/05/11/18/HNsenatespyware_1.html?source=rss&url=www.infoworld.com/article/05/11/18/HNsenatespyware_1.html
<http://www.infoworld.com/article/05/11/18/HNsenatespyware_1.html?source=rss&url=www.infoworld.com/article/05/11/18/HNsenatespyware_1.html>
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