Spyware Legislation Approved by the House of Representatives

The House of Representatives passed legislation in June to prohibit the installation of intrusive software programs known as Spyware. H.R. 964, the SPY ACT, would require that consumers are notified and given the ability to refuse information collection software prior to it being installed on their computers. The bill includes a provision, supported by NAA, which exempts cookies from the regulations, including the third party cookies commonly used by many online newspapers for registration and tracking of advertising campaigns.

The SPY ACT has passed the House in the last two legislative sessions, but the Senate has yet to pass similar legislation. It is unknown if the Senate will address Spyware this year. NAA will continue to work the issue to ensure that any bill that comes from the Senate contains the same cookie exemption as the House bill.

First Published:
July 25, 2007