Anti-spyware legislation passes House

February 19, 2008 

OLYMPIA – The House today took action to better enforce anti-spyware laws and crack down on identity thieves who prey on personal information available through nefarious technologies.

The term “spyware” generally refers to any software placed on a user’s computer, without their knowledge or consent. The software can monitor, track, and collect everything from websites visited to personal information and passwords.

Legislation passed during the 2005 session led to several successful cases prosecuted by the state. But according to the prime sponsor of the bill, Rep. Jeff Morris (D – Mount Vernon), falling behind the changing technology has left some loopholes in the law. “By adding new definitions of what spyware is, this legislation ensures we’ll keep pace with the technology and better protect our most private information.”

House Bill 2879 passed the House unanimously and now moves to the Senate for further consideration during the 2008 legislative session.