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H.R. 964: Spy Act

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H.R. 964: Spy Act

110th Congress · introduced 2007-02-08 · Science, Technology, Communications · Latest: Star Print ordered on the bill.

federal

Follow this bill, step by step

  1. Where it came from: introduced 2007-02-08 · official record
  2. Who proposed it: Rep. Towns, Edolphus [D-NY-10] · what a sponsor is
  3. What happened next: 1 recorded vote in our records. Latest: House roll call 434 (2007): On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended, HR964 (2007-06-06), Passed. See all
  4. Where it stands now: Star Print ordered on the bill. Not final yet: this can still change. We check for updates every day.
  5. If it becomes law and spends money: follow the money to money laws, then agencies and contracts and grants.

What does this mean?

Official title

Spy Act

Plain summary

Securely Protect Yourself Against Cyber Trespass Act or Spy Act - (Sec. 2) Makes it unlawful for any person who is not the owner or authorized user (user) of a protected computer (a computer exclusively for the use of a financial institution or the U.S. government, or a computer used in interstate or foreign commerce or communication) to engage in unfair or deceptive acts or practices in connection with specified conduct, including: (1) taking unsolicited control of the computer; (2) modifying computer settings; (3) collecting personally identifiable information; (4) inducing the owner or authorized user to disclose personally identifiable information; (5) inducing the unsolicited installation of computer software; and (6) removing or disabling a security, anti-spyware, or anti-virus technology. (Sec. 3) Makes it unlawful for a person to: (1) transmit to a protected computer any information collection program (a program that collects personally identifiable information and uses the information to send advertising), unless such program provides notice required by this Act before downloading or installing any of the information collection program; or (2) execute any collection information program installed on a protected computer unless, before execution, the user has consented to such execution under notice requirements of this Act. Provides an exception with respect to Internet activity within a particular website when the information collected is sent only to the provider of the website accessed or Internet-based search function. (Sec. 5) Sets forth various exceptions and limitations. (Sec. 7) Requires reports.

Congressional Research Service summary (Passed House amended), quoted unchanged (nonpartisan). Read the source.

What a vote does

A “Yea” vote

If it passes both chambers and is signed, it becomes law.

A “Nay” vote

If it is not passed, current law stays as it is.

PSI Sci description of the legislative step (not an opinion).

What does this mean? (plain words)

Official text

Spy Act

Source: Congressional Research Service summary (Passed House amended)

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The strongest published arguments

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Alternatives

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How did my representative vote? · This bill's floor votes

Officials and money

Sponsor: Rep. Towns, Edolphus [D-NY-10] · 41 cosponsors

Cost estimate: CBO cost estimate: H.R. 964, Securely Protect Yourself Against Cyber Trespass Act (2007-05-24); CBO cost estimate: H.R. 964, Securely Protect Yourself Against Cyber Trespass Act (2007-05-24)

Cosponsors on this site

Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Janice D. Schakowsky (D-IL), Diana DeGette (D-CO), Michael T. McCaul (R-TX), Ken Calvert (R-CA)

Recorded votes

Words on this page, explained (2)
Authorization
A law that creates or continues a government program and says what it may do, often with a suggested spending ceiling. An authorization alone does not provide money; a separate appropriation does.
Securities
Financial investments that can be bought and sold, such as stocks and bonds.

Plain meanings written from linked sources. All words.

Sources

Record fed-us-cong110-hr964 · catalog fed-us-congress-bills-cong110 · updated 2026-11-15 by psicol fed-bills-cong110