Anti-Spyware Coalition Finalizes Spyware Definitions

CIPPIC, the University of Ottawa-based Canadian Internet Policy and Public Interest Clinic, reports that the Anti-Spyware Coalition released its finalized spyware definitions today.

The Coalition is an alliance composed of anti-spyware software companies, academics, and consumer groups.

It 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.