William F. Smith: “Computer spyware is a growing problem that threatens the future of commerce over the Internet. A recent report found…”

“Computer spyware is a growing problem that threatens the future of commerce over the Internet. A recent report found that more than 3 million scans for spyware have been performed just this year alone. These scans revealed approximately 83 million instances of spyware. That is certainly disturbing. Spyware can be a confusing problem for consumers. Many do not know they have it, or if they do, they do not know how to get rid of it. A Yahoo! Internet search of the term 'spyware' yields over 8 million results. It is no wonder that the problem is only getting worse. H.R. 4661 addresses spyware through the regulation of bad behavior rather than the regulation of technology. It provides strong penalties for those who engage in the illicit activities of spyware and phishing. Rather than add to an already confusing regulatory structure, the bill takes a very narrow approach. H.R. 4661 sets strong penalties for anyone who intentionally uses software to break into a computer in order to alter security settings or obtain personal information.”