Go California!
California has beat the federal government to the punch in protecting the property rights of PC users by setting fines for the manufacturers of spyware.
The makers of computer programs that secretly spy on what people do with their home PCs could face hefty fines in California.
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The state's Consumer Protection Against Spyware Act bans the installation of software that takes control of another computer.
It also requires companies and websites to disclose whether their systems will install spyware.
Well, hefty means up to $1,000, which isn't all that hefty on an individual basis. But if enough Californians avail themselves of this, then it could get pretty hefty. As for banning the installation of software that takes control of another computer and requiring disclosure if the systems will ban less-malicious software, I'm all for it.
This is one area where I think legislation is completely appropriate and, in fact, needed. A computer is private property. It is the job of the government to protect our property rights. It should be illegal for a third party to modify my property or someone else's property without our express permission. If I walk into a store, no one would think it legal and most people wouldn't even consider it acceptable to stuff a tracking device in my purse or pocket without my knowledge and/or against my will. At least by forcing disclosure on websites, online consumers can assess whether they are willing to accept the tracking device in exchange for whatever value they think they will receive from the website.
Regardless, though, I will continue to utilize my anti-spyware tools and to not use IE whenever possible. I scan regularly with Ad-Aware, Spybot, and Hijack This.
Which reminds me. Time for the weekly scan.