Security

House Passes Anti-Hacker, Spyware Bill

The House on Wednesday passed another cyber-security bill (.pdf) that would cover an expansive range of offenses and allow for civil penalties of up to $3,000,000. Called the "Securely Protect Yourself Against Cyber Trespass Act" or the "Spy Act," the bill, which was introduced by Rep. Ed Towns (D-New York), passed by a vote of […]

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The House on Wednesday passed another cyber-security bill (.pdf) that would cover an expansive range of offenses and allow for civil penalties of up to $3,000,000. Called the "Securely Protect Yourself Against Cyber Trespass Act" or the "Spy Act," the bill, which was introduced by Rep. Ed Towns (D-New York), passed by a vote of 368-48. It would make it unlawful for anyone to:

"...engage in unfair or deceptive acts or practices in connection with specified conduct, including: (1) taking unsolicited control of the computer; (2) modifying computer settings; (3) collecting personally identifiable information [incl. using keystroke loggers]; (4) inducing the owner or authorized user to disclose personally identifiable information; (5) inducing the unsolicited installation of computer software; and (6) removing or disabling a security, anti-spyware, or anti-virus technology."

The bill would also create an opt-in requirement that would outlaw information collection and transmission programs unless permission had been granted.