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Spyware Fines OKed By House

glimmy writes "The US House of Represenatives passed a bill that imposes fines on the use of Spyware by a majority of 399-1. This bill excludes programs used by the FBI or spy agencies, though."

16 of 429 comments (clear)

  1. How do I register my company as a spy agency? by 3770 · · Score: 4, Funny

    I'm sure that I'll get other benefits as well. Maybe I can get search warrants for my former girlfriends new boyfriend.

    It is worth looking into.

    --
    The Internet is full. Go Away!!!
  2. spy agencies? by osho_gg · · Score: 5, Funny

    Let me guess, microsoft will be the first officially US government sanctioned spy agency?

    Osho

  3. The lone hold out... by nativespeaker · · Score: 4, Funny

    Maybe Ron Paul(R-Texas) would like a free web toolbar that will keep his computer clock accurate and inform him of deals on vacations, Viagara, and more...

  4. Spy Agencies by ravenspear · · Score: 3, Funny

    This bill excludes programs used by the FBI or spy agencies, though.

    Because after all, the US Gov must reserve every right to monitor everything about it's citizens. With all those terrorists running around we can't afford to have ANY activity go unnoticed.

  5. Clippy... by EmbeddedJanitor · · Score: 2, Funny
    the first agent.

    --
    Engineering is the art of compromise.
    1. Re:Clippy... by geminidomino · · Score: 4, Funny

      "It looks like you're trying to seduce a sexy Russian double-agent!"

      "Not now, Clippy, you fool!"

  6. 399 - 1? by Twintop · · Score: 4, Funny

    Well, I take it that one really enjoys his Gator to handle personal information and CoolWebSearch to find his pr0n. Maybe he thinks Intelimail does a better job of sorting his e-mail and Comet Cursor just looks pretty.

  7. Oh, Great! by crucini · · Score: 3, Funny
    This bill excludes programs used by the FBI or spy agencies, though.

    Now I can expect popups saying, "Have you considered a carreer in Homeland Security?" And that familiar "Winners don't use drugs" screen from 80's arcade games.
  8. So maybe we should have a special name for the by multiplexo · · Score: 2, Funny
    federally installed spyware that our homeland security overlords will be installing. We can call it "fedware".

    --
    cheap labor conservatives - they want to keep you hungry enough to be thankful for minimum wage.
  9. Spy Agencies... by Uncle+Gropey · · Score: 3, Funny

    ...use spy ware? Huh?

  10. Re:Great but... by Brightest+Light · · Score: 2, Funny

    I've found the best way to deal with friends who want free tech support is to explain to them that your time is valuable, and because they're your friends you'll take payment in the form of (drugs|alcohol|sexual favors) (YMMV on the last one, though). At best you'll get (a few rounds of drinks|good and stoned|laid) for your troubles, at worst they'll get pissed off and you'll stop having to provide support to people who think your time is worthless. Most people will jump at the chance to have a geek work on their PC for the cost of a few rounds.

  11. Accountability by manitoulinnerd · · Score: 3, Funny

    That is what it all boils down to. I have accepted that as a computer user, hell even a citizen of todays culture, there are people out there that are eager to abuse and take advantage of me.

    My computer is just one of the many ways they can do so. Many users have not come to terms with this. Vigilance is now part of computing and the internet.

    The one guy that voted against the others has the right idea. The internet is bigger then America. The recent attempts by the American Government to control this beast are not only offensive to me as a Canadian but also stupid as it is easy for the makers of this software to simply move their operation.

    Though I would love a flashing screen that says "Kazaa is installing spyware on your system" I don't see it a a viable option. Users need to be aware and accountable of their actions.

    Computers as well as many things have been over-simplified and as a result we are now seeing these problems.

    --
    Burn Bright or Fade Away
  12. Re:Please define spy agencies? by xs650 · · Score: 5, Funny

    Iraq. Next question.

  13. Re:Please define spy agencies? by secretsquirel · · Score: 3, Funny

    Thanks, I think I pretty much get what this bill says now. Well I guess now windows is illegal then; or did I misread that.

  14. Re:Names of Spyware by FBI / CIA / NSA ? by cynic10508 · · Score: 2, Funny

    I want to know the names of the spyware produced by FBI, CIA, or NSA. Any help would be much appreciated !!

    Oh, don't worry. I'm sure that your interest has been noted.

  15. What about Spy-vs-Spy-[vs-Spy]ware? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    MAD inquiring minds want to know!