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State Spyware Laws

As of February 10, 2012

Spyware is software that can track or collect the online activities or personal information of Web users, change settings on users computers, or cause advertising messages to pop up on users' computer screens.  Web users are often unaware that spyware has been downloaded to their computers, and even when found, it can be very difficult to remove.  This list represents only state laws that specifically address spyware.  Other states have laws that address computer crime, fraudulent or deceptive practices or identity theft and that could apply to some practices involving spyware.  See also State Phishing Laws, Computer Hacking and Unauthorized Access Laws and Virus/Contaminant/Destructive Transmission Laws.

See also 2007, 2006, 2005 and 2004 State Legislation Relating to Internet Spyware or Adware.

State

Statutory Citation

Alaska

Alaska Stat. §§ 45.45.792, -.794, -.798; §45.50.471(51)

Arizona

Ariz. Rev. Stat. §§ 44-7301 to 44-7304

Arkansas

Ark. Code §§ 4-111-101, -102, -103, -104, -105, § 19-6-301, § 19-6-804

California

Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §§ 22947 to 22947.6

Georgia

Ga. Code §§ 16-9-152 to -157

Illinois 720 ILCS 5/17-52.5

Indiana

Ind. Code § 24-4.8-1 et seq., § 24-4.8-2 et. seq§ 24-4.8-3 et seq.

Iowa

Iowa Code §§ 715.1 to 715.8

Louisiana

La. Rev. Stat. §§ 51:2006 to 51:2014

Nevada

Nev. Rev. Stat. § 205.4737

New Hampshire

N.H. Rev. Stat. §§ 359-H:1 to 359-H:6

 Pennsylvania  73 P.S. 2330.1 et seq.

Rhode Island

R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 11-52.2-2, -3, -4, -5, -6, -7

Texas

Tex. Bus. & Comm. Code §§ 324.001 to 324.102 (324.055 -- botnets, zombies)

Utah

Utah Code §§ 13-40-203, 13-40-204, 13-40-301, 13-40-302,13-40-402

 Virginia  Va. Code §  18.2-152.4

Washington

Wash. Rev. Code §§ 19.270.101 to 19.270.900

 Puerto Rico  10 L.P.R.A. §§ 2181, 2182, 2183, 2184, 2185

 Contact:  Pam Greenberg, NCSL Denver Office, 303-364-7700 ext. 1413, pam.greenberg@ncsl.org

 

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