Spyware Control and Privacy Protection Act of 2000
Latest action. Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (text of measure as introduced: (continuing resolutionA stopgap law funding the government at existing levels when the annual appropriations bills are not done by October 1.Read the full definition (opens a new tab) S10090-10091)
Spyware Control and Privacy Protection Act of 2000 - 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, 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. Provides exceptions for any such capability reasonably needed to: (1) determine whether a user is a licensed or authorized user; (2) provide technical support for such software; or (3) enable an employer to monitor computer usage by employees within the scope of employment authorized by applicable Federal, State, or local law. Requires the protection of information collected through such exceptions. 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 (requiring that the user be given notice of such request and an opportunity to contest). Requires a court issuing such an order to ensure appropriate safeguards on the use of such information. Provides a private right of action for users for enforcement of this Act. Authorizes a court, in such an action, to issue a protective order and conduct proceedings so as to protect trade secrets.
Written by analysts at the Congressional Research Service and published on Congress.gov, not by Civibrief. Summarized at the "Introduced in Senate" stage on October 6, 2000. It describes the bill, it is not the legal text.
Where is it in the process, and what happens next?
4 steps remain before this bill could become law.
The record's latest action, on October 6, 2000: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (text of measure as introduced: (CR S10090-10091)
- Clearing the committees it was referred to, and being scheduled for a floor vote
- Passage by the Senate
- Passage by the House
- The President's signature. If the President vetoes it, two-thirds of both chambers must vote to override.
How likely is it to become law?
Civibrief does not forecast outcomes and this page has no opinion about this one. What the record supports is a base rate, which is a fact about the whole pile, not a prediction about this measure.
In the 106th Congress (1999-00), 580 of the 9,158 bills and joint resolutions introduced became law, about 6.3 percent. That count covers every measure at every stage, including the many that never left committee.
This one is not there yet: 4 steps are still outstanding, listed above.
Has anyone actually voted on it?
No. No roll call in this Congress cites this measure. That is the ordinary outcome: most measures never reach a recorded floor vote, and a committee ends most of them simply by not acting.
A vote is not the only thing that happens to a measure. Hearings, markups, and referrals are all recorded actions, and none of them is a vote of the full chamber.
Who is behind it?
JOHN EDWARDS (D-NC) introduced it on October 6, 2000, and 1 member has since signed on as a cosponsor.
They are 1 Democrat.
Cosponsoring is a formal signature on the text. It is not a commitment to vote for the measure, it does not bind anyone's party, and a long list of cosponsors is a measure of attention rather than of prospects.
How long has it been in play?
It was introduced on October 6, 2000, 9471 days ago. The most recent recorded action was 9471 days ago, on October 6, 2000.
Measures do not carry over. Anything the 106th Congress has not finished by January 3, 2001 dies when the term ends, and has to be introduced again from the start in the next Congress.
Every answer above is assembled from this measure's own record on Congress.gov and from published counts of what Congress has passed before. Civibrief does not predict outcomes and takes no position on any measure.
Vote history
- SenateIntroduced, no floor vote yet
- HouseAwaits Senate passage
- PresidentAwaits both chambers