Adware=Spyware should be illegal and,....

The sad thing is that, IIRC, spyware and the such ARE illegal as per the Internet Privacy Act signed by President Bill Clinton.

The government simply doesn't enforce the law . . .

[Hartford]

"Adware=Spyware should be illegal..."

Amen. It makes you wonder why there are limitations on cookie file information from websites, but with Spyware, anyone can follow you around on the internet, anywhere and at anytime, and I think that sucks! With Spam, Viruses, and illegal file sharing and so forth, the internet reminds me of the wild west in the United States in the 19th Century. The government really does need to do a better job at preventing anyone from doing almost anything that they want on the internet.

[Mullyman]

I agree with you about the adware and spyware etc. situation...but a great deal of responsibility is up to the user....smart and intelligent browsing and downloading are some of the keys...also a good use of protected software.no matter how you try you are not going to stop this....this is the same as any intrusion or crime...has it stopped?....suggesting the "GOVERNMENT" take steps to help is like asking a child to guard the cookie jar ...if the government takes control or sets guide lines they will be the biggest spammers of all....tracing your every movement, having to register to use the internet...and in time even pay to use the internet, that is just a few options....ever since September 11...the government uses everything they do relating to that....so in a few years lets see if you have the same thoughts that the "Government" should pass legislation for better control of the internet....once they have their foot in the door, you will never be able to close it i as one will put up with the spyware and adware...instead of relinquishing control to the government ...now that is just my opinion

[dvk01]

Originally Posted by Brandon Harwell

The sad thing is that, IIRC, spyware and the such ARE illegal as per the Internet Privacy Act signed by President Bill Clinton.

That MAY be the case in theory in the USA but the internet is a worldwide resource and fortunately no one country has control of it

A very high proportion of Viruses/spyware/adware and other unwanted malware comes from the uncontrolled territorities in Asia and the Old Soviet Union, where the Western Governments have absolutely no control

For at least the past fifteen years internet useage has been monitored and information collected on users of the internet. Thats a well established fact. Its only because of recent outbreaks of viruses that the world public has suddenly shown a very minor interest in computer security. Where were all these outcrys prior to recent months!
For years a small group of advocates around the world have battled the good fight. Often these same advocates were even laughed at.....no one is laughing these days.
When a certain three letter agency put up a so-called secure website and TRACKED users.....who spoke up then!! That website was payed for and maintained with tax payers money....a completely illegal operation....but have you heard of anyone lossing their job over it.....did you hear of any legal action taken... NO! Nothing is happening today that has not been happening fore many, many years. Its just legal now.
Spyware....the small time players use it. The REAL players don't need it.
But spyware will be the excuse used to pass new monitoring laws.....just as 911 was used to allow somethings to become openly legal.
Stop for a moment....an really think! An like MullyMan said you best use good surfing habits.....because there will never be an end to spyware of one sort or another. Anyone who thinks there will be is living in denial.

[dangitall]

Making the stuff illegal and putting some teeth into enforcement is all well and good, but it will have ZERO effect. The bad guys will simply move to some area where they are safe from prosecution and continue their nefarious doings. Enforcement would also become a political issue, and I suspect we have enough of those as it is, thank you very much.

Besides, I've always been just a wee bit wary of Big Brother and, since 9/11 and the subsequent passage of the so-called Patriot Act, my antennae are in a permanent quiver. I also prefer to handle all of my own security; this way, if something goes wrong, I have nobody to blame but myself.

[ssgtmax]

Originally Posted by dangitall

Making the stuff illegal and putting some teeth into enforcement is all well and good, but it will have ZERO effect. The bad guys will simply move to some area where they are safe from prosecution and continue their nefarious doings. Enforcement would also become a political issue, and I suspect we have enough of those as it is, thank you very much.

Besides, I've always been just a wee bit wary of Big Brother and, since 9/11 and the subsequent passage of the so-called Patriot Act, my antennae are in a permanent quiver. I also prefer to handle all of my own security; this way, if something goes wrong, I have nobody to blame but myself.

Couldn't agree more, dangitall. We are all responsible for our own perimeters - or should be. Don't need to create more legislation encouraging everyone from the NSA on down to snoop over our shoulders.