Software makers and online advertisers would face stiff
requirements under an
antispyware bill passed by the US House of Representatives this
week. Those who oppose it say the legislation would penalise
companies who distribute legitimate software and Web
sites.
The
Securely Protect Yourself Against Cyber Trespass
Act (SPY ACT) would require software distributors to clearly
notify and obtain consent from consumers before programs can be
loaded onto a computer, according to Reuters. The House passed
the bill by a vote of 368 to 48.
The Direct Marketing Association (DMA) has sent a letter to
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Minority Leader John Boehner
supporting an alternative antispyware bill the House passed last
month. That legislation would impose specific penalties for
fraudulent spyware use but would not require new regulations.
The group said the tougher bill passed this week "goes far
beyond regulating spyware and cuts to the heart of the information
economy and the unprecedented growth of the Internet."
The big concern is that the legislation's definition of
"computer software" and "information collection programs" would
paint all Web pages with the same harsh brush. The group wants the
bill to "clarify that Web pages and other non-spyware Internet
components are not included within the definitions."
The Senate hasn't taken up the issue yet.