Counter Spy Act

A bill to protect against the unauthorized installation of computer software, to require clear disclosure to computer users of certain computer software features that may pose a threat to user privacy, and for other purposes.

6/14/2007--Introduced.
Counter Spy Act - Prohibits a person who is not an authorized user of a protected computer (a computer used in interstate or foreign commerce or communication) from installing software that takes control of the computer, modifies the computer's settings, or prevents the user's efforts to block installation of, disable, or uninstall software. Prohibits such installation of software that collects sensitive personal information without first providing clear and conspicuous disclosure to the authorized user and obtaining the user's consent. Allows software that collects information for the provider of an online service or website knowingly used or subscribed to by an authorized user if the information collected is used only to affect the user's experience while using such service or website. Prohibits such installation on a protected computer of software that causes advertising windows to appear (popularly known as adware) unless:
(1) the source is clear and instructions are provided for uninstalling the software; or
(2) the advertisements are displayed only when the user uses the software author's or publisher's website or online service. Sets forth exceptions, including for network or computer security, diagnostics, technical support, and detection or prevention of the unauthorized use of fraudulent software or other illegal activities. Allows a multichannel video programming distributor to take certain actions if the actions are subject to provisions of the Communications Act of 1934 concerning notice to satellite subscribers.


... morehide bill summarySee Full Bill Text

Sponsor

• Sen. Mark Pryor [D, AR]
• and 2 Co-Sponsors
  • Sen. Barbara Boxer [D, CA]
  • Sen. Bill Nelson [D, FL]
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Committees

• Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation

Amendments

This bill has no amendments.

Amendments to S.1625

Number	Status	Purpose

Bill Status

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Introduced		Voted on by Senate		Voted on by House		Considered By President		Bill Becomes Law
June 14, 2007

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All Bill Actions

• Jun 11, 2008: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Hearings held.
• Jun 14, 2007: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
• Introduced on Jun 14, 2007.

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Related Issue Areas:

• Technology
• Advertising
• Civil liberties
• Communications
• 8 more
• Computer software
• Consumer education
• Consumers
• Internet
• Right of privacy
• Telecommunication
• Television relay systems
• Web sites

Data from the Congressional Research Service

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In the News

June 12, 2008 Spyware bill should focus on behavior, not technology, experts say

temp/~c110nP7YT2 target=_blank>S.1625), out of the committee, where it has been stalled for nearly a year. The bill would give FTC specific authority to ...

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Source: GCN.com, DC

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June 11, 2008 FTC wants strong civil penalties for spyware distributors

A Senate bill, S. 1625 Counter Spy Act, is still in the Commerce, Science, and Transportation committee, would give the FTC such power. ...

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Source: NetworkWorld.com, MA

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Blog Coverage

July 14, 2008 Webroot Spy Sweeper(R) Enterprise 3.0 Named 2006 Anti-x ‘Product ...

Spyware bill cloaks a mini-UCITA InfoWorld, CA - Jun 16, 2008 As I suggested last week, S. 1625 — the Counter Spy Act — takes an anti-spyware approach that's very similar to the way the failed Can-Spam Act of 2003 … ...

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Source: anti spy

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July 12, 2008 Britain’s top spy out of mysterious coma (Moldova.org)

Spyware bill cloaks a mini-UCITA InfoWorld, CA - Jun 16, 2008 As I suggested last week, S. 1625 — the Counter Spy Act — takes an anti-spyware approach that's very similar to the way the failed Can-Spam Act of 2003 … ...

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Source: anti spy

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July 09, 2008 Bush hails new US spy bill - Melbourne Herald Sun

Spyware bill cloaks a mini-UCITA InfoWorld, CA - Jun 16, 2008 As I suggested last week, S. 1625 — the Counter Spy Act — takes an anti-spyware approach that's very similar to the way the failed Can-Spam Act of 2003 … ...

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Source: anti spy

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