U.S. Anti-Spyware Act Aims to Suppress The Malware

The U.S. House of Representatives has approved an anti-spyware Act that will penalize scammers for accessing computers in an unauthorized manner while trying to engage in other federal offenses. Technewsworld published this as news on May 23, 2007.

Spyware, adware, malware and other online malicious activities cause a lot of trouble for surfers and computer users. They also consume on resources and impose billions of dollars of overheads on companies. Also, end-users have to go on finding ways to defeat ever-new emerging threats.

Both Democrats and Republicans have sponsored the bill. The bill considers spurious handling of spyware a criminal offense liable for a prison sentence for up to five years. There are no requirements from software developers under the new Act.

The law targets the most serious spyware without placing undue burden on technological innovations, said Democrat Representative Zoe Lofgren belonging to California, who is the chief promoter of the bill. Technewsworld published this on May 23, 2007.

Reuters reported, House law framers passed a bill that will impose a five-years jail term for individuals who resort to spyware but do not comply with the regulatory requirements that some lawmakers seek. P2pnet published this news on May 23, 2007.

Spyware is a major troublemaker for end-users. It can make way into their computers through various means such as a virus, downloaded games or other software downloadable for free from the Internet. Spyware can destroy computer power insidiously, crash PCs or flood users with a host of undesirable ads. Scam artists rely on spyware to steal passwords, account numbers and other private details, says Reuters. P2pnet published this on May 23, 2007.

In spite of the House passing various anti-spyware laws in 2004 and 2005, the Senate did not act, says CNET News. The lower chamber passed legislation, which could occur again.

Moreover, if the leaders in the House allow a vote on the Spy Act as a more regulatory option, it would mean a new threat for the software industry. The House Energy and Commerce Committee passed the Spy Act on May 10, according to Reuters. P2pnet published this on May 23, 2007.

Related article: U.S. Businesses Lose $712 Per Worker Due to Spam

» SPAMfighter News - 6/2/2007