FTC officials irk Congress by suggesting "anti-spyware" law unnecessary

[Declan McCullagh <declan () well com>]

http://news.com.com/2100-1023_3-5202016.html

FTC officials blast spyware measures
Last modified: April 29, 2004, 11:30 AM PDT
By Declan McCullagh
Staff Writer, CNET News.com

Two Federal Trade Commission officials ignited a political firestorm on 
Thursday by criticizing proposed laws targeting spyware and suggesting 
that the measures might harm legitimate software products, too.

During an appearance before a House of Representatives panel, FTC 
Commissioner Mozelle Thompson said the measures were the wrong approach 
to spyware and adware. "I do not believe legislation is the answer at 
this time," he said. "Instead, we should give industry the time to 
respond...Self-regulation combined with enforcement of existing laws 
might be the best way to go."

Members of the Energy and Commerce subcommittee on consumer protection 
reacted angrily to the advice, accusing Thompson and Howard Beales, 
director of the FTC's bureau of consumer protection, of being the only 
Americans who enjoyed having their computers infected by spyware and adware.

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