Lawmaker wants limits to spyware (News.com) If passed, the Safeguard Against Privacy Invasions Act would require companies to get permission from computer users before installing their spyware software. Spyware is so maligned because the user never gets the opportunity to give informed consent. It is only when they either notice suspicious activity or install countermeasure software that they find out the spyware is installed. I would think boycotting spyware is probably the fastest and most efficient way to deal with the problem. But Rep. Mary Bono thinks there ought to be a law.