The US is trying to pass a Bill that will try and stop Spyware and have serious consicounses for those who break this bill...

" ( b ) Penalty for Pattern or Practice Violations-

(1) IN GENERAL- Notwithstanding subsection (a) and the Federal Trade Commission Act, in the case of a person who engages in a pattern or practice that violates section 2 or 3, the Commission may, in its discretion, seek a civil penalty for such pattern or practice of violations in an amount, as determined by the Commission, of not more than--

(A) $3,000,000 for each violation of section 2; and

( B ) $1,000,000 for each violation of section 3."


You can look at it yourself here... Ya'll think this will work? ... I doubt it...

This is general internet issue about a legislation bill. But yes, this is related to software. However, we will be re-organizing forum with more categories. The problem is if we put all general discussion topics under SOFTWARE it will be HUGE.

Interesting issue....
I think they are modeling the planned legislation after Canada which have an aggressive task force in place to combat spyware/spam and other internet abuse issues.

I just found out that America ALREADY has a Bill that outlaws Spyware(and ADware, I think), but it seems people just ignored it. They might just ignore this one too, but thats a lot of money to pay if they get caught...

That's sad , but I guess it's the same way with viruses. There are laws against making and distributing them, just like spyware. Most spyware actually comes in the form of trojans, which steal information, a form of spyware. But, catch 'em if u can ... how many virus makers, hackers, etc. get caught per year, and how many get convicted. The good ones never get convicted, because they leave behind no traces, they are ghosts in the machine, nobody knows they were there or that they even exist. This is a problem that is exacerbated by the fact that Windows, the #1 used OS in the universe is full of holes and security leaks, most of which are put there on purpose believe it or not ... they need info about your browsing habits too . And say ... how will anti-spyware/anti-virus software manufacturers stay in business if viruses and spyware are completely wiped out ... it is in their interest to make sure new spyware if being made so that they can help wipe it out, almost ...

If you didn't notice already ... I am paranoid and I'm in a particularly bad mood unfortunately ....

Surely it isn't this bad, I'm just playing devil's advocate ... don't be angry