U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer On Computer Privacy
protecting the privacy of American computer users

by Barbara Boxer
United States Senator

March 03, 2004

Dear Friend:

I recently joined my colleagues, U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Conrad Burns (R-Mont.) in introducing legislation to better protect the privacy of American computer users. Our bill would prohibit spyware, adware, and other invasive software from being secretly installed on Americans' computers.

Our SPYBLOCK (Software Principles Yielding Better Levels of Consumer Knowledge) Act would prohibit installing software on somebody else's computer without notice and consent, and requires reasonable "uninstall" procedures for all downloadable software. Spyware, adware and other hidden programs often secretly piggyback on downloaded Internet software without the user's knowledge, transmitting information about computer usage and generating pop-up advertisements. Frequently such software is designed to be virtually impossible to uninstall.

This legislation will give consumers control over the programs that are downloaded onto their computers. As more and more people use the Internet, privacy violations become a greater threat, and we want to give computer users the power to protect themselves from spyware and other hazardous software.

The bill also prohibits programs designed to trick users about who is responsible for content a user sees, such as causing a counterfeit replica of a company's Web site to appear whenever the consumer attempts to navigate toward a legitimate company's Web site. These types of programs have been used to fraudulently obtain personal financial information from users confused by dummy Web sites.

The bill would be enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and state attorneys general. The FTC could impose penalties just as it does for unfair and deceptive practices, including cease-and-desist orders and civil fines. State attorneys general could bring suits seeking injunctions, plus damages or other relief.

People who use computers need to have a better sense that their private information and their computers are protected. Our bill aims to do just that. If you have any questions or comments about this or any other federal matter, I invite you to contact me at http://boxer.senate.gov/contact/webform.cfm.

Sincerely,

Barbara Boxer
United States Senator

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For more information on Senator Boxer's record and other information, please go to: http://boxer.senate.gov

If you would like to make a comment regarding this or any other federal matter, please feel free to do so at: http://boxer.senate.gov/contact/webform.cfm