Comments on: Making the wrong move against spyware

CNET News.com's Washington watcher Declan McCullagh explains why a new congressional anti-spyware proposal is doomed to irrelevance.

[Michael Grogan]

The Republican version is crippled...

...it would work if it made it illegal to install ANY software without authorization. Adware can do lots of nasty and irritating stuff without transmitting any info or noticeably impairing the computer's function. True to Republican form this law still leaves the gaping loophole for corporate advertising.

[DaClyde]

Any version would be crippled.

Whenever you get uninformed, powerwielding nitwits who failed at nearly everything else so they resorted to politics, you'll get worthless legislation like this. As was mentioned, almost all of what this bill would cover is ALREADY ILLEGAL. And it's that way with probably 90% of bills that are introduced these days. If a law isn't enforced, passing another, redundant law won't solve anything.

I guess the bright side of this one, though is that the morons didn't explicitly legalize spyware and put the burden squarely on the user like they did with spam when they passed the Please Spam Us Act.

[Michael Grogan]

The Republican version is crippled...

...it would work if it made it illegal to install ANY software without authorization. Adware can do lots of nasty and irritating stuff without transmitting any info or noticeably impairing the computer's function. True to Republican form this law still leaves the gaping loophole for corporate advertising.

[DaClyde]

Any version would be crippled.

Whenever you get uninformed, powerwielding nitwits who failed at nearly everything else so they resorted to politics, you'll get worthless legislation like this. As was mentioned, almost all of what this bill would cover is ALREADY ILLEGAL. And it's that way with probably 90% of bills that are introduced these days. If a law isn't enforced, passing another, redundant law won't solve anything.

I guess the bright side of this one, though is that the morons didn't explicitly legalize spyware and put the burden squarely on the user like they did with spam when they passed the Please Spam Us Act.

As far as I can tell this Spyware is really a Microsoft Problem

I have recently switch to Mozilla, I'll never go back to IE. I wish I could remove IE from the desktop, I have named it "Crap" in order to avoid clicking on it. I hope to switch more of my systems to Linux soon.

The absolute lameness and greed of Microsoft never ceases to amaze me. With Mozilla, I am not getting any popup ads, no virus spyware, it's great.

I tried re-installing IE, it didn't fix IE.

And I do not have time to do the research needed to determine if my IE can be fixed, and I guess neither does Microsoft.

There is absolutely no excuse for Microsoft to allow the following:

- Popup Ads.
- Self installing programs.
- Programs that can set entries under the "startup\run" registry keys.
- Programs that can read address books, history, or any other private information and set out, this could be blocked.

Microsoft has done an awful deed by leaving hundreds of millions of people naked to the inspection of creeps who create the virus malware, which Microsoft (for it's own greedy reasons) made possible.

Microsoft is an unethical, greed oriented company.

My advice to everyone, forget about Microsoft and their product if you can. Fill your networks with a heterogenous mix of computers and software (not from Microsoft, if possible).

As far as I can tell this Spyware is really a Microsoft Problem

I have recently switch to Mozilla, I'll never go back to IE. I wish I could remove IE from the desktop, I have named it "Crap" in order to avoid clicking on it. I hope to switch more of my systems to Linux soon.

The absolute lameness and greed of Microsoft never ceases to amaze me. With Mozilla, I am not getting any popup ads, no virus spyware, it's great.

I tried re-installing IE, it didn't fix IE.

And I do not have time to do the research needed to determine if my IE can be fixed, and I guess neither does Microsoft.

There is absolutely no excuse for Microsoft to allow the following:

- Popup Ads.
- Self installing programs.
- Programs that can set entries under the "startup\run" registry keys.
- Programs that can read address books, history, or any other private information and set out, this could be blocked.

Microsoft has done an awful deed by leaving hundreds of millions of people naked to the inspection of creeps who create the virus malware, which Microsoft (for it's own greedy reasons) made possible.

Microsoft is an unethical, greed oriented company.

My advice to everyone, forget about Microsoft and their product if you can. Fill your networks with a heterogenous mix of computers and software (not from Microsoft, if possible).

I support Anti-Adware/Spyware legislation

I support Anti-Adware/Spyware legislation. I think they are invasive and clogg up ones system without regard to the owner or user. So "cann them". Immediately and any others on the horizon. People know what they want to buy, and they will seek them out on their own, at their own time. Thanks.

I support Anti-Adware/Spyware legislation

I support Anti-Adware/Spyware legislation. I think they are invasive and clogg up ones system without regard to the owner or user. So "cann them". Immediately and any others on the horizon. People know what they want to buy, and they will seek them out on their own, at their own time. Thanks.

[JOSEPHWILSON1952]

WHO IS AT FAULT?

While I read comments from fellow "C-Netites", I can't help from comment on who is really at fault for the criminal activity of the thieves that install spyware/adware.
Yes, they are thieves.
If I purchase 10MB of bandwdith, but can only use 2MB because your adware/spyware is consuming the other 6MB, you are stealing from me.
Spyware/Adware conveyors are guilty of unlawful entry. This is my computer, not theirs. I didn't invite you into my private computer.
They are guilty of false advertising. They tell the clients that they will generate 30 million customers. But not if 95% of us are blocking and/or removing them. (Wise up clients!!!)
"OUR" law, because this is "Our" Problem, should state; "It's illegal to install software of any kind without the authorization of the owner of the computer. This includes all computers belonging to private citizens and business computers" "All computer users will be notified by a installation screen that states program/spyware/adware/keylogger is being installed." "The installation screen will clearly provide the FULL intent of the software and if it contains adware/spyware." "The installation screen will have the option to say Yes or No to the installation." "The Software will remove all installation entries on the Hard Drive and in the Computer Registry if the Computer Owner selects "NO" to the installation attempt." "Individuals or companies that violate this Law will prosecuted."
One of your readers commented that if they wanted something, They would look for it on their own. I agree. Companys listen up. If your not listed on an Internet Search Engine, 95% of us won't see you. Because we remove our spyware/adware. If you have so little confidence in your product that you have to resort to adware/spyware, then close your doors and get off the Internet.
We are tired of YOU!!!!

[JOSEPHWILSON1952]

WHO IS AT FAULT?

While I read comments from fellow "C-Netites", I can't help from comment on who is really at fault for the criminal activity of the thieves that install spyware/adware.
Yes, they are thieves.
If I purchase 10MB of bandwdith, but can only use 2MB because your adware/spyware is consuming the other 6MB, you are stealing from me.
Spyware/Adware conveyors are guilty of unlawful entry. This is my computer, not theirs. I didn't invite you into my private computer.
They are guilty of false advertising. They tell the clients that they will generate 30 million customers. But not if 95% of us are blocking and/or removing them. (Wise up clients!!!)
"OUR" law, because this is "Our" Problem, should state; "It's illegal to install software of any kind without the authorization of the owner of the computer. This includes all computers belonging to private citizens and business computers" "All computer users will be notified by a installation screen that states program/spyware/adware/keylogger is being installed." "The installation screen will clearly provide the FULL intent of the software and if it contains adware/spyware." "The installation screen will have the option to say Yes or No to the installation." "The Software will remove all installation entries on the Hard Drive and in the Computer Registry if the Computer Owner selects "NO" to the installation attempt." "Individuals or companies that violate this Law will prosecuted."
One of your readers commented that if they wanted something, They would look for it on their own. I agree. Companys listen up. If your not listed on an Internet Search Engine, 95% of us won't see you. Because we remove our spyware/adware. If you have so little confidence in your product that you have to resort to adware/spyware, then close your doors and get off the Internet.
We are tired of YOU!!!!