The House of Representatives has passed an anti-spyware bill that is coming under fire from both sides of the issue, reports ComputerWorld.

The bill defines worst practices, including the taking-over of someone's computer, diverting a web browser or logging keystrokes. It would also disallow collecting personal information without permission.

Business groups, including the Direct Marketing Association, find its language too broad and believe it would stifle legitimate marketing practices. It could also, they say, turn the user experience into one defined by a never-ending series of permissions requests.

Others find the bill too weak, believing it will only preempt stronger state laws on the books.