BBC: US edges towards spyware controls

Bill author Mary Bono

The House Energy and Commerce subcommittee approved an anti-spyware bill that would make illegal the forced installation of software without user awareness or permission and allow penalties of up to $3 million. H.R. 2929 would also ban the recording of user keystrokes and the display of ads that cannot be closed. The bill, now hokily renamed "Securely Protect Yourself Against Cyber Trespass Act," or SPY ACT, will go on to the full committee to be considered for vote by the House. A similar bill is wending its way through the Senate Commerce Committee.