SPYBLOCK - H.R. 2145

SPYBLOCK - The Software Principles Yielding Better Levels of Consumer Knowledge (SPYBLOCK) Act would "give consumers control over the programs that are downloaded onto their computers. SPYBLOCK was introduced by three senators. Two of the senators working on the bill (Wyden and Burns) were also co-sponsors that helped push through the CANSPAM act of January 2004. So far that act hasn't done much to stop spam, but it was a noble attempt.

SPYBLOCK would require all software to generate more detailed on-screen dialog boxes that would tell users that clicking "OK" will trigger the download of a program. The aim of the bill is to demand strict disclosure if software surreptitiously creates pop-ups, collects information and sends it elsewhere over the Internet, or modifies a computer's settings. SPYBLOCK also will prohibit programs that steer users to counterfeit Web sites. The bill would be enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and state attorneys general, and would include provisions for injunctions and civil fines.