Anti-Spyware Coalition Releases Definition of Spyware

The Canadian Internet Policy and Public Interest Clinic (University of Ottawa Law School) is reporting that the Anti-Spyware Coalition (ASC), an international coalition of technology companies and consumer groups, has released a uniform definition of "spyware" and accompanying glossary for public comment.

The Coalition defines spyware technologies as those that "impair users’ control over material changes that affect their user experience, privacy, or system security; use of their system resources, including what programs are installed on their computers; or collection, use, and distribution of their personal or otherwise sensitive information."

It is hoped that a consensus over the definition of the phenomenon will speed up the development of regulations and technological countermeasures to combat the problem.

See the background article from IDG News Service.