Spyware Laws

The Internet Spyware Prevention Act of 2004 makes it a crime to intentionally access a computer without the proper authorization or to intentionally proceed to gain further access than what was originally granted. If the unauthorized intrusion is to further another federal crime such as secretly accessing personal data, the penalty is up to five years in prison. Deliberately injuring or defrauding a person or damaging a computer through the unauthorized installation of spyware carry prison terms of up to two years.

Spyware is software that sends information about your Web surfing habits to its Web site. Often quickly installed in your computer in combination with a free download you selected from the Web, spyware transmits information in the background as you move around the Web. Spyware is occasionally installed just by visiting a Web site.