Spyware: Background and Policy Issues for Congress

Figliola, Patricia Moloney

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service.

关键词: Technology;    Consumers;    Consumer protection - Law and legislation;   

RP-ID  :  RL32706
RP-ID  :  RL32706_2006Jul17

美国|英语

来源: UNT Digital Library

【 摘 要 】

The term "spyware" is not well defined. Generally, it is used to refer to any software that is downloaded onto a person's computer without their knowledge. Spyware may collect information about a computer user's activities and transmit their information to someone else. Most spyware is installed surreptitiously, and most users are therefore unaware that spyware exists on their computers. A central point of the spyware debate in Congress is whether new laws are needed, or if industry self-regulation, coupled with enforcement actions under existing laws, such as the Trade Commission Act, is sufficient.