A new California law aimed at curbing spyware, software applications that surreptitiously collect the keystrokes, passwords, and credit-card numbers of Internet users, will go into effect Jan. 1. . . .
A new California law aimed at curbing spyware, software applications that surreptitiously collect the keystrokes, passwords, and credit-card numbers of Internet users, will go into effect Jan. 1.

The law, dubbed the Consumer Protection Against Spyware Act, was signed last week by Calif. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. It outlaws software that secretly steals personal information, such as user names and passwords, sends viruses, or takes control of infected systems as part of a distributed denial-of-service attack. The law also requires software companies and Web sites to inform users if their software or sites will install spyware and disclose what the spyware will do and what information it will collect. California consumers who believe they've been the victim of illegal activity under the law can seek attorney's fees and damages of $1,000 for each violation.

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