Pressure is growing for new rules to curtail malicious programs known as spyware, once again raising a vexing problem for the Internet age: Can software risks be regulated into submission?
The issue will get a high-profile hearing next week, when the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) plans to convene a workshop on the dangers of spyware. In a common scenario, such programs might bombard victims with unwanted ads or, more rarely, allow hackers to snoop on Web surfing activities and steal confidential data such as passwords to online bank accounts.
Monday's FTC hearing, which will draw technology executives, lawmakers, and consumer groups from around the country, could be the first step toward federal action against spyware companies, following the path the FTC has previously taken on spam e-mail and other Internet privacy issues.
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