Enigma Software Group

By Todd Heinzl, August 28, 2004

NEW York, New York-July 28, 2004--Enigma Software Group, Inc., a diversified technology and services company that creates and develops Internet Privacy Protection and Computer Security Software & Applications for Internet users, today announced that after careful review it supports The U.S. House Energy and Commerce committee's subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection passing of The SPY ACT (Securely Protect Yourself Against Cyber Trespass Act.) The House Energy and Commerce Committee passed the proposed law by a 45 to 4 vote on June 24, 2004 clearing a major legislative hurdle.

The passing of this bill is the first steps in requiring purveyors of Spyware on the Internet to notify people before loading new software on their computers. Enigma Software Group is committed in the fight against Spyware. Enigma Software is also encouraging their customer base and other unwilling consumers of Spyware programs to contact their local Congressman to ensure a voice in making this bill effective legislation. An example letter of how to contact your congressman can be found here: http://www.enigmasoftware.com/letter.shtml

Most Americans would probably favor legislation that would protect a consumer from having Spyware on their computer. However, in this case, the Federal Trade Commission would favor a more "win-win" situation whereby the developers and sellers of legitimate software, particularly those who use the same technology as Spyware, can continue their support of Internet users. More specifically for those who utilize anti-Spyware for the purpose of uninterrupted surfing of the worldwide web. Whatever your position may be, Enigma Software encourages all Internet users to take an active role in the legislative process.

From a technical development point of view the introduction of new internet legislation is often time consuming and lengthy. In order for a bill to become law it must be introduced by a sponsor. In this case the bill was introduced by Mary Bono (R-Calif) and Ed Towns (D-New York) The next step is for the proposed law to be then debated for consideration in a Congressional Committee. The bill is then referred to a committee that has jurisdiction over the area affected by the measure. In this case the bill was unanimously passed by a subcommittee and then was passed by the House Energy and Commerce Committee. The next step is for the proposed law to go to the floor of the House of Representatives for a vote.

If passed, the law would allow fines up to three million dollars for collecting personal information, diverting browsers, logging users' keystrokes and stealing identities. It would also require that consumers be given clear and conspicuous notice prior to downloading any type of web tracking software.

Alvin Estevez, CEO of Enigma Software Group, said "This bill is a step in the right direction, and we have already seen several US companies reforming their practices around it. To date, we are pleasantly surprised with the progress of many the affected US companies." Mr. Estevez also added, "While the US may be the pioneer of this type of ground breaking legislation, we must and cannot ignore the international companies who have become more guileful in their Spyware approach. Legal remedies aside there is as place and necessity for good effective security software."