House Passes Anti-Hacker, Spyware Bill: "bill (.pdf) that would cover an expansive range of offenses and allow for civil penalties of up to $3,000,000. Called the 'Securely Protect Yourself Against Cyber Trespass Act' or the 'Spy Act,' the bill, which was introduced by Rep. Ed Towns (D-New York), passed by a vote of 368-48. It would make it unlawful for anyone to:

'...engage in unfair or deceptive acts or practices in connection withspecified conduct, including: (1) taking unsolicited control of thecomputer; (2) modifying computer settings; (3) collecting personallyidentifiable information [incl. using keystroke loggers]; (4) inducing the owner or authorized user todisclose personally identifiable information; (5) inducing theunsolicited installation of computer software; and (6) removing ordisabling a security, anti-spyware, or anti-virus technology.'

The bill would also create an opt-in requirement that would outlaw information collection and transmission programs unless permission had been granted.

(Read Original Article - Via Threat Level.)