California sets fines for spyware
Found on BBC News on Friday, 31 December 2004
The makers of computer programs that secretly spy on what people do with their home PCs could face hefty fines in California.
The state's Consumer Protection Against Spyware Act bans the installation of software that takes control of another computer.
It also requires companies and websites to disclose whether their systems will install spyware.
Consumers are able to seek up to $1,000 in damages if they think they have fallen victim to the intrusive software.
A recent survey by Earthlink and Webroot found that 90% of PCs are infested with the surreptitious software and that, on average, each one is harbouring 28 separate spyware programs.
Now people from California should download the "Alicia Keys" WMA file which Overpeer infected with spyware and relased into P2P nets. Play it and sue Overpeer under the new law. If netiquette and common sense fails, use the law.