Spyware sucks.

[alarimer]

I was on some website or another and all of a sudden things were installing on my computer. I have a firewall and use Spybot so I managed to get rid of it (I think) but I think there is a special place in hell for people who write spyware and have it on their websites. If I were really good at computers I'd find some way to retaliate but, alas, all I can do is complain.

[rsmith6621]

1. There Is

And Congress is suppose to address this issue next session.

I have heard that it could become a Federal Crime for those who wish to engage in loading SPYWARE on to your PC.....

[alarimer]

2. good

I don't know how it would be enforced. But I definitely don't want software of any kind loaded onto my computer without my permission. I also have a problem with software packages that include AOL or other programs that I do not want or need. Even at work, which has a very good firewall and security (although by no means perfect, judging by the amount of spyware on that machine when I ran Spybot). You spend more time dealing with this stuff than actually working especially if the computer doesn't work so well as a result of it.

[SmileyBoy]

3. The existence of spyware is undermining the purpose of the Internet.

If something isn't done about this, people will stop using the Internet alltogether, and the notion of it will become aversive, leading to the Internet's downfall.

Go ahead and call it a slippery slope argument. I really believe that these sons of bitches are literally ruining the Internet and all it encompasses.