FTC Seeks Anti-Spyware Authority

Zyxwvut writes "The FTC is seeking more legal authority to go after spyware vendors, and Congress has passed a few bills to support them, but the Senate is ignoring them. While the FTC has prosecuted a few of the largest spyware makers, most of them fly under the radar because the FTC has to meet very stringent legal standards before they can do anything."

Comments

YES!

[ILuvRamen]

It's a miracle! Not that they're finally going after spyware, but that some congressmen actually started using the internet and found out what kind of crap you can catch on your computer from it! Yay! I've been waiting for aggressive antispyware legistlation practically since the internet was invented. I really don't care if it puts me out of a job (in home repairer)

Re:YES!

[SirLurksAlot]

That's one way to look at it, but OTOH at what point do you say enough is enough? It's all well and good that we educate people on malware, but there has to be a point that the root problem gets addressed. My only real issue with legislation like this is that it doesn't mean squat to the rest of the world, and considering how many spy/malware creators exist outside of the US I can see this kind of initiative falling on it's head.

And we trust the FTC since?

[ealar dlanvuli]

"Essentially, the FTC wants the ability to impose fines that are not directly tied to consumer loss or company profit."

I can see this ending very well for the consumers.

this could be worrisome...

[Dance_Dance_Karnov]

I wonder who gets to decide what is spyware? who is going to write the definition? what other powers will they decide to give themselves why they are at it?

ask yourself, when was the last time the federal government did anything which was in your best interest, and not that of big business or other moneyed powers?

Re:this could be worrisome...

[BCW2]

"ask yourself, when was the last time the federal government did anything which was in your best interest, and not that of big business or other moneyed powers?"

The "do not call" list is the only thing congress has done in the last 40 years that has helped me, or worked as advertised. Sad but true.

Re:this could be worrisome...

[Red Flayer]

The "do not call" list is the only thing congress has done in the last 40 years that has helped me

The federal highway system (what, you thought all those goods you buy cheaply are trucked in off-road vehicles?)
FDIC-insured bank accounts (or do you keep all your money as cash^H^H^H^Hgold coins under your mattress?)
Environmental regulations (do you breathe air and drink water, or eat foods that need air and water to survive?)

It's easy to take potshots at the federal government, since there is so much that DOES get bungled. But take a look around you at the things you do every day, and think about how the Federal Government has contributed to them. It might surprise you how much our daily life is affected in secondary and tertiary ways.

Re:this could be worrisome...

[nametaken]

Something tells me the first thing they'll put on the list is wireshark, airsnort or some similar utility. Politicians + tech = BAD NEWS. Always.

Which spyware vendors contributed to senators?

[schwit1]

The House and Senate will not truly represent the voter until campaign contributions are limited to registered voters.

I should only be able to give money to candidates I am permitted to vote for.

Re:WARNING: Pedantry in effect

[absoluteflatness]

Of all the amendments to attack, you chose the 17th?

I mean, I've heard the reasoning against direct election before, but it's much closer to the 3rd Amendment than the 2nd on the scale of political and popular uproar.