California sets fines for spyware

LadyDay · (#1 (**permalink**))

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4132143.stm

is this good and will it work

Jazhawk · (#2 (**permalink**))

LadyDay wrote:

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http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4132143.stm

is this good and will it work

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I think it's a good start. I would like to read the legislation myself though. Spyware comes from so many different sources and forms,many "legitimate" internet businesses would be greatly affected by this law. But I have a feeling that all California has done was narrow the interpretation of "spyware" and nothing more.And at the same time, strengthened the hand of those legitimate internet businesses.

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-Jazhawk

LadyDay · (#3 (**permalink**))

surely a business shouldnt be based on spying. how can that be legal.... but yeah something needs to really be done

Nick · (#4 (**permalink**))

Effectivly its not illegal. Most spyware is installed either with applications or through browser addons (you know when it says "do you wish to install? Yes / No"

So the user is given a choice and thus it is hard to classify it as illegal.

And why shouldn't a business be based of spying. Private detectives are. And anyway spyware isn't really spyware, like I said most, tell you that they are installing themselves. If you tell somebody you are there, thats not spying.

Jazhawk · (#5 (**permalink**))

Nick wrote:

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Effectivly its not illegal. Most spyware is installed either with applications or through browser addons (you know when it says "do you wish to install? Yes / No"

So the user is given a choice and thus it is hard to classify it as illegal.

And why shouldn't a business be based of spying. Private detectives are. And anyway spyware isn't really spyware, like I said most, tell you that they are installing themselves. If you tell somebody you are there, thats not spying.

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You make a good point. My problem with these companies is the level of deception they use in order to get onto your computer. Even when you say no, you get the spyware.

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-Jazhawk