Security experts have noticed a growing trend in the use of 'spyware,' or software designed to gather information from computers running it. Spyware is often merely annoying, as in 'adware' which will flash advertisements on the screen while a user browses the web, or programs bundled with free software such as Kazaa and Grokster, which gather aggregate data for marketers. Often, such programs are difficult to turn off or uninstall. Some spyware, however, is designed to illegally steal sensitive data. Security firm Clearswift investigated one incident in which spam containing spyware was sent to employees of a British credit card company to download confidential data. Some private companies have formed the Consortium of Anti-Spyware Technology Vendors to create standard definitions of differing types of spyware, and to establish best practices for companies to follow to avoid being targeted by anti-spyware applications. Representative Mary Bono (R-California) has introduced a bill to outlaw certain spyware practices. A Center for Democracy and Technology report recommends privacy legislation that would require programs to tell consumers whether they gather information, and make it easy for users to uninstall or turn off the program.
http://zdnet.com.com/2100-1104_2-5108965.html

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