Washington A.G. & Microsoft Join Forces

The Attorney General for the State of Washington, along with Microsoft, Corp., have joined forces to take their fight directly to spyware and scareware purveyors. In a joint venture they are hoping that the A.G. will be able to sue those businesses that use scare tactics such as illicit warnings to solicit consumers to use their free online scans.

The announcement also stated:

“Microsoft is honored to assist Washington Attorney General McKenna in helping to protect consumers from online threats,” said Richard Boscovich, Senior Attorney for Microsoft’s Internet Safety Enforcement Team. “Cybercrime continues to evolve, but with public/private collaboration such as this, we can work to champion tougher laws, greater public awareness and, ultimately, stronger protections for online consumers.”

In 2005, Washington became one of the first states to adopt a law explicitly prohibiting spyware activities and imposing serious penalties on violators. The statute doesn’t stop at outlawing programs that collect personal information, but uses a broader definition of “spyware” and punishes those who mislead users into believing software is necessary for security. The law was updated last session to create additional liability for third-parties that permit the transmission of spyware and to address new types of deceptive behaviors, such as misrepresenting the need for computer repairs.

As of today, the Attorney General’s Office has filed seven suits under the statute.

Every time I read about any state or company attacking back at these scums, I feel good inside knowing something is being done. What about you?

Source.