Wash. State Sues Over Spam, Spyware

SEATTLE — The Washington State Attorney General's office has sued a New York company and individuals in New York, New Hampshire, Oregon and India under state and federal anti-spam and spyware laws, claiming they induced computer users to download software that weakened its computers' security.

The lead defendant in the lawsuit, filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court, is Secure Computer LLC of White Plains, N.Y. Secure Computer President Paul Burke and Gary Preston of Jamaica, N.Y., have made more than $100,000 since summer 2004 selling "spyware cleaner" over the Internet – software they advertised using mass, misleading emails and popups, the lawsuit said.

The lawsuit is the first filed under Washington state's new anti-spyware act and one of the first spyware lawsuits in the country, state Attorney General Rob McKenna said Tuesday.

"In general, we've made more progress on spam than we have on spyware," McKenna said. "Spyware in all its forms is a faster-growing threat than viruses."

Some of the spam and popup ads sent on behalf of Secure Computer imitated Microsoft Corp. messages and products, the lawsuit said. Microsoft has pursued more than 100 anti-spam lawsuits, winning more than $800 million from spammers.

Also named in the lawsuit are Burke's wife, Wendy; Seth T. Traub of Portsmouth, N.H.; Zhijian Chen of Portland, Ore.; and Manoj Kumar of Maharashtra, India. The three allegedly sent emails and advertisements on Secure Computer's behalf in exchange for 75 percent commission on each $49.95 software sale.

"Deceived into believing that dangerous spyware is on their computer and there is no time to waste, the user is induced to purchase ‘Spyware Cleaner,’" the lawsuit said, which added the software does not work properly.

The lawsuit also cites several state and federal laws, from the state consumer protection laws to the federal CAN-SPAM law, short for Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act. The state could possibly be entitled to millions of dollars in damages.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

UPDATED: Supreme Court Rules Against Adult Industry in Pivotal Texas AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday issued its decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, striking a blow against the online adult industry by ruling in support of Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

North Carolina Passes Extreme Bill Targeting Adult Sites

The North Carolina state legislature this week ratified a bill that would impose new regulations that industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

Supreme Court Ruling Due Friday in FSC v. Paxton AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court will rule on Friday in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, the adult industry trade association's challenge to Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

Ofcom: More Porn Providers Commit to Age Assurance Measures

A number of adult content providers operating in the U.K. have confirmed that they plan to introduce age checks in compliance with the Online Safety Act by the July 25 deadline, according to U.K. media regulator Ofcom.

Aylo Says It Will Comply With UK Age Assurance Requirements

Tech and media company Aylo, which owns various adult properties including Pornhub, YouPorn and Redtube, plans to introduce age assurance methods in the United Kingdom that satisfy government rules under the Online Safety Act, the company has announced.

Kyrgyzstan Parliament Approves Measure Outlawing Internet Porn

The Supreme Council of Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday passed legislation outlawing online adult content in the country.

Trial Set for Lawsuit by U Wisconsin Professor Fired Over Adult Content

A trial date of June 22, 2026, has been set for the civil lawsuit filed by veteran communications professor Joe Gow against the University of Wisconsin board of regents, which fired him for creating and appearing in adult content.

New UK Task Force Meets to Target Adult Content

The architect of an influential report that recommended banning adult content deemed “degrading, violent and misogynistic” has convened an “Independent Pornography Review task force” aimed at translating that report’s findings into action in the U.K.

11:11 Creations Launches Affiliate Program

11:11 Creations principal Alicia Silver has launched 11:11 Cash for creators and affiliates.

Pineapple Support, Pornhub to Host 'Self Love' Support Group

Pineapple Support and Pornhub are hosting a free online support group for performers to develop self-love.

Show More