PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (text of measure as introduced: CR S645-646)
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Jan 29, 2001
Spyware Control and Privacy Protection Act of 2001 - Requires any computer software made available to the public that includes the capability to collect information about the user of such software, the hardware on which such software is used, or the manner in which such software is used, and the capability to disclose such information to any person other than the software user, with specified exceptions, to include: (1) a clear notice that such software contains such capability; (2) a description of the information subject to collection; and (3) clear electronic instructions on how to disable such capability without affecting software performance or operation.Prohibits such capability from being enabled unless the user consent in advance.Treats each violations of such requirements and prohibition as an unfair or deceptive act or practice under the Federal Trade Commission Act.Authorizes a software provider to disclose such information to law enforcement officials or a court under a warrant or court order. Requires a court issuing such an order to ensure appropriate safeguards on the use of such information.
People & committees
Sen. Edwards, John [D-NC] · D–NC
Legislative record
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Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (text of measure as introduced: CR S645-646)
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S644-645)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Sep 8, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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