The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Local News

January 31, 2008

House OKs anti-spyware measure

Mannix Porterfield

CHARLESTON — Computer spies became the target of a House bill passed Thursday by a unanimous vote.

While no criminal penalties are prescribed, the bill is intended to discourage spyware by allowing victims to file civil suits when their computers are invaded.

“This bill is aimed at keeping those insidious spyware devices from raiding your computer and forcing you to shut it off,” Judiciary Chair Carrie Webster, D-Kanawha, explained before the 98-0 vote.

The legislation would install its provisions within the consumer protection act allowing the attorney general to exercise enforcement powers if a company is violating the law.

“This bill reflects a number of states that have done the same thing,” Webster said.

Companies and individuals alike have complained about the spyware being used to raid files, opening the door for destructive computer viruses, she explained last week when the bill was held up for some refining by her committee.



Majority Leader Joe DeLong, D-Hancock, delivered two sad messages to the chamber.

One entailed the death the previous night of Victoria Ann, newborn daughter of Sen. and Mrs. Andy McKenzie, R-Ohio. The couple has three sons.

The other was of the death of Rogers Marshall, husband of Delegate Charlene Marshall, D-Monongalia.

Delegate Cliff Moore, D-McDowell, led the delegates in a special prayer seeking solace for the two legislators and their families.

— E-mail: mannix@register-herald.com

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