From the press release:
Assemblyman Michael Montesano (R,C,I-Glen Head) is co-sponsoring legislation that would protect New York’s computer owners from being affected by covertly installed spyware and malware.
The bill (A.854), known as the Computer Spyware Protection Act, would prohibit the installation, transmission and use of computer software that collects personal information and would also allow the attorney general to take civil action against anyone who uses this type of programming illegally.
“Many residents unknowingly provide personal information to malicious users of seemingly harmless spyware,” said Montesano. “By enacting the Computer Spyware Protection Act, we could help prevent identity theft and invasion of privacy, while also authorizing the state attorney general to take legal action against those who abuse these programs. I am urging my colleagues in both houses of the Legislature to support passage of this common-sense legislation to protect New Yorkers from being victimized by computer hackers.”
The legislation is currently awaiting action in the Assembly Committee on Economic Development.