WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Edward Markey (D-MA), the Ranking Member of the Energy and Commerce Telecommunications and the Internet Subcommittee, today released the following statement on H.R. 29, anti-spyware legislation called the Securely Protect Yourself Against Cyber Trespass Act, or the “Spy Act”. The Spy Act was approved today at a mark-up of the Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection Subcommittee, of which Rep. Markey is a senior member.

“The online villains who spread spyware deceive computer users through disingenuous download requests, phony icons, and covert tricks to induce users to permit the installation of programs that computer users do not want or require.

“In contrast to software applications from reputable online companies, surreptitiously installed spyware programs are designed to thwart a users' ability to control their own computers. Rather than improving a computer user's online experience, the installed features often deliver annoying pop-up ads, hijack home pages, and can secretly monitor a consumer's use of their computer and their travels across the Internet.

“Hopefully, we can enact this bill this year and bring much needed protection to American consumers,” Rep. Markey concluded.