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Bono pushed forward legislation that would require many software programs collecting personal information to get permission
before doing so. Bono's Securely Protect Yourself Against Cyber Trespass Act also would outlaw the act of taking over a computer
in order to send unauthorized information or code, and diverting a Web browser without the permission of the computer owner.
The bill, which passed the House by a 389-vote margin, would allow fines of up to $3 million for spyware-like activity.
Security software updates are exempted from the Bono bill.
In addition to legislation, antispyware groups need to continue to educate consumers about online dangers and ways to combat
them, said NCSA's Teixeira. Many people don't know how to properly use security software or are confused about products out
there, he said.
Many of the discussion's participants said legislation that would define illegal practices and give the FTC more power to
work with overseas law enforcement agencies would help fight spyware. But not everyone there saw more legislation as an improvement.
A new law could bring unintended consequences for the tech industry, said John Palafoutas, senior vice president for domestic
policy and congressional affairs at tech trade group AeA.
Palafoutas pointed to studies that say a significant percentage of time consumers spend online is looking at pornography sites,
identified by StopBadware.org as major sources of spyware.
"I'm wary of a legislative fix," Palafoutas said. "Part of the problem is there's a lot of recklessness out there."
The IDG News Service is a Network World affiliate.
