Spitzer Takes On Spyware

this press release

The suit against Los Angeles-based Intermix Media is the most sweeping case to date involving programs that redirect Web addresses, add toolbars and deliver pop-up ads. "Spyware and adware are more than an annoyance," Spitzer said. "These fraudulent programs foul machines, undermine productivity and in many cases frustrate consumers' efforts to remove them from their computers. These issues can serve to be a hindrance to the growth of e-commerce."

"Frustrate" may be putting it mildly. Microsoft's Susan Bradley describes how she recently tried to clean up a system operated by her hairdresser. In the end, she said:

Perhaps if software doesn't work, the long arm of the law finally will.