Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

California Sets Fines for Spyware

Posted by CowboyNeal on from the pay-to-play dept.

aj50 writes "The BBC has the story that California is introducing new laws to help eradicate spyware. The bill bans the installation of software that can be used to take over another computer and allows customers to seek $1000 in damages if they've fallen victim to this kind of malicious software. Can this really help cut down spyware or will it just be another fatally flawed piece of legislation?"

5 of 199 comments (clear)

  1. Yep, bad legistlation... or maybe it's the summary by Rahga · · Score: 4, Funny

    "The bill bans the installation of software that can be used to take over another computer..."

    Goodbye, SSH. I'll miss you.

  2. Re:Yep, bad legistlation... or maybe it's the summ by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny
    Goodbye, SSH. I'll miss you.

    Goodbye, Windows.

  3. Plan for world domination by didjit · · Score: 4, Funny

    1. Setup insecure windows box.
    2. Intentionally get infected with spyware.
    3. Profit!

  4. Listen up Californians - how to get rich by skinfitz · · Score: 3, Funny

    1. Get a copy of Spybot

    2. Run it on all your PC's. Statistically each PC will have on average 28 pieces of spyware on it.

    3. DO NOT FIX THE PROBLEMS!!! They are now evidence!

    4. Carefully research each piece of spyware found by Spybot to see if you can sue the makers for $1000 each.

    5. If you find anything, call your lawyer.

    6. Profit!

  5. Re:Watch out for the loophole! by generic-man · · Score: 4, Funny

    Can you say MPAA/RIAA?

    I can't. I tried, It came out sounding like "um-pahh, ree-ahh." My family thought I was speaking in tongues.

    --
    For more information, click here.