CNET: FTC officials blast spyware measures

Two Federal Trade Commission officials were put through the wringer yesterday in a congressional hearing on spyware. Because the officials reported that legislation was probably not a good idea at this point - especially as many recently suggested bills would have extremely broad and adverse consequences - the representatives holding the hearing took the opportunity to appear outraged.

"I'm a little concerned that you're not outraged that people have access to someone's privacy, Social Security numbers, and all this," said Florida Republican Representative Cliff Stearns. "And you're saying let it go by the wayside."

The FTC officials said that they were personally "outraged" by deceptive spyware, but that a recent hearing they held showed that Department of Justice officials felt they already had the legislative tools needed to put away the fraudsters, separating the "spyware" chaff from the "adware" wheat.