Anti Spyware Bill Introduced in Senate

WASHINGTON — Asserting that the Internet advertising industry has “failed in self-regulating,” Senator Mark Pryor (D-Ark.) has introduced the Counter Spy Act of 2007, legislation that prohibits unauthorized installation of software and mandates clear disclosure of software features.

“Spyware is a serious infringement upon basic levels of privacy and security,” Pryor said.

Pryor said that spyware presents significant economic, privacy and security concerns for consumers and business alike, as it is used to collect data on a consumer’s browsing habits, enable pop-up ads and alter home pages, among other unauthorized actions.

“There are very few, if any, legitimate reasons for this practice to continue, but countless reasons for it to be stopped, including identity theft and sluggish computer performance,” Pryor said.

The text of Pryor’s bill is not yet available through the Library of Congress website, but Pryor said the Counter Spy Act will “prohibit the covert embedding of spyware on a user’s computer without first obtaining their consent.”

Pryor added that under the bill, the Federal Trade Commission would have authority to bring civil action against violators, and that some violations could carry prison sentences of up to five years.

“My bill protects consumers’ right to privacy and their confidence in using the Internet,” Pryor said. “The industry has failed in self-regulating. It’s time to step in and enact serious consequences against those who use this invasive and deceptive practice.”

The U.S. House of Representatives recently approved a bill with provisions similar to those described by Pryor. H.R. 964, or the “Securely Protect Yourself Against Cyber Trespass Act” was passed by the House last week.

The House version of the Spy Act was opposed by the Direct Marketing Association (DMA) and a variety of advertising and Internet firms, who asserted that the legislation was worded too broadly, and would cover far more than just spyware.

Stephanie Hendricks, director of public affairs for the DMA told XBIZ that the broad language of the Spy Act was so vague it could be interpreted to cover “benign use of cookies,” like online shopping cart mechanisms and “favorites” lists.

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

FSC Publishes Analysis of Federal Trade Commission Event Promoting AV

Free Speech Coalition (FSC) has published an analysis of a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) event held this week that promoted age verification among other forms of speech regulation.

GirlsDoPorn Owner Michael Pratt Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking

Michael Pratt, former owner of the rogue website GirlsDoPorn, pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California on Thursday to sex trafficking and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking charges, according to a report by City News Service.

Master Nico Relaunches Site Through YourPaysitePartner

Master Nico has relaunched his official website through YourPaysitePartner (YPP).

Federal Judge Grants Partial Halt of Florida AV Law

The United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida, Tallahassee Division, has granted a preliminary injunction against HB 3, the state's age verification law, as a lawsuit filed by two online trade associations challenging the law makes its way through the courts.

Aylo Releases Statement on Suspending Access to Pornhub in France

Technology and media company Aylo, which operates adult sites including Pornhub, YouPorn, and Redtube, has released a public statement regarding its decision to block access to its sites in France.

Pineapple Support to Host Wellness Sessions at Bucharest Summit

Pineapple Support is hosting free group and one-on-one therapy sessions at Bucharest Summit, June 3-5.

Pornhub Blocks Access in France in Response to SREN Law

Pornhub parent company Aylo has opted to block access to its sites in France rather than comply with age verification requirements under the country’s Security and Regulation of the Digital Space (SREN) law.

ASACP Highlights Study on Parental Controls

The Association of Sites Advocating Child Protection (ASACP) is highlighting the results of a study on the underutilization of parental controls.

Sydney Screams Launches New Site Through Grooby's Blue.xxx

Sydney Screams has launched her new membership site, SydneyScreams.xxx, through Grooby's website management company Blue.xxx.

Mistress Mystii Is LoyalFans' 'Featured Creator' for June

LoyalFans has named Mistress Mystii as its Featured Creator for June.

Show More