What's the Deal With Spyware Anyway?

The Anti-Spyware Coalition has been trying for some time to come up with a good way to define as clearly as possible the differences between spyware and adware. Based on that definition, it would be possible to end a controversy that has been taking a lot of steam lately.

The term adware has been used as "the less dangerous spy" because compared to spyware, it only acquires information about the user's browsing patterns in order to send back customized spam. Spyware on the other hand, could also end up emptying your bank account.

The situation has degenerated as much as having adware-makers pressing companies that make spyware-removal programs to quit labeling their software as risky or even mentioning them at all. The U.S. House of Representatives passed an anti-spyware bill in May that leaves adware alone if it is accepted voluntarily by computer users if included in a free game or software download and if it specifies there aren't any difficulties in removing the adware if the user decides so.

The Coalition says that spyware is anything that hinders users' control over their systems, including privacy and security; impairs the use of system resources, including what programs are installed on their computers; and/or collect, use and distribute personal or otherwise sensitive information.