DavidBrown's Journal: Software Regulation

Nagware. Spyware. Why are these not completely illegal? We have the technology. We just need the laws.

What we need is a set of software and internet "fair play" rules. A sort of bill of rights that identifies and makes illegal certain practices that are completely annoying.

Such as:

1. All spyware, except spyware a) with explict privacy disclosures and consent requirements; and b) which can be easily uninstalled with no residual leavings.

2. All modifications to Internet Explorer and other web browsers except as above.

3. webpage redirects, hijacking ads, pop up ads within pop up ads,

I'm sure that you can think of more, and I have to go back to work.

The point is that we need consumer protection legislationg for software and the internet, and we need law enforcement action against those who violate the rules. It's not enough to just prosecute people who write computer viruses. If you surf the internet unprotected, your computer quickly becomes burdened with a large number of programs that bog down your computer and provide information to others at your cost. This has to end, somehow.

Interesting

[defishguy]

Well said. Reeeeeeeally tough to enforce, but what else could be done?