Make Spyware a Crime Make Spyware a CrimeHelp get a most important piece of legislation made into law
by Fred Showker
I met with Congressman Goodlatte on Sunday and asked what we, as computer users can do to help move the Internet Spyware Prevention Act (I-SPY) toward becoming law.
He indicated the best thing to do is to get as many emails, letters or phone calls to the Senate as possible. We have to make our voice heard, and make sure our Senators understand how important H.R. 744 is to their constituency.
So, I'm calling on you, as leaders in the user group community to get out and help get your senators behind the Spyware Prevention Act (I-Spy), H.R. 744. (Links below)
This is an extremely important piece of legislation for the entire computer and internet community. We need to act; act loudly; and act NOW. Unfortunately, there are many other high-priority issues in this congress and we do not want our important legislation to get overlooked.
The Internet Spyware (I-SPY) Prevention Act
The House of Representatives has already passed the Internet Spyware (I-SPY) Prevention Act of 2005, (H.R. 744,) by a 395-1 vote. Introduced by Representative Bob Goodlatte, this bipartisan legislation addresses the most egregious activities that are conducted via spyware and makes those activities criminal offenses.
How will HR 744 help you?
1. Makes Spyware a Criminal Offense
H.R. 744 sets forth the legal definition of spyware as a criminal offense --
* Intentionally accessing a computer without authorization, or intentionally exceeding authorized access, by causing a computer program or code to be copied onto the computer and using that program or code in furtherance of another federal criminal offense. This conduct would be punishable by fine or imprisonment for up to 5 years.
* Intentionally obtain or transmit to another "personal information" with the intent to defraud or injure a person or damage a computer; intentionally impair the security protections of a computer. This conduct would be punishable by fine or imprisonment for up to 2 years.
2. Pays for apprehension and prosecution
For the first time ever, this piece of legislation addresses the issue of financing internet crime detection and prosecutions. This is breakthrough legislation because one of the major barriers to getting criminals into jail is lack of funding for this kind of law enforcement.
Section 3 of HR 744 authorizes $10 million for Fiscal Years 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009 to be devoted to prosecutions needed to discourage the use of spyware and phishing scams.
A sense of urgency
Act Now -- get to work mobilizing your memberships to contact their Senators. You as leaders can be instrumental in helping your members identify and contact their representatives. This is important. We need to get it done now.
Links:
Goodlate's High-Tech Working Group
Goodlatte has long been a leader in the high-tech community serving as co-chair of the Congressional Internet Caucus and co-chair of the Congressional International Anti-Piracy Caucus. He also serves as Vice Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Courts, the Internet, and Intellectual Property. (Read More)
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