Press Release

CDT Begins Dialogue on Anti-Spyware Technology

April 5 , 2005

Washington, DC – The Center for Democracy and Technology (CDT) believes the most effective way for consumers and organizations to protect themselves from spyware is with technology, such as anti-spyware software.

In order to help advance this cause, CDT convened a meeting with industry leaders and others to discuss issues facing the anti-spyware industry including those that impact the industry's ability to ensure user control and empowerment.

The participants shared their commitment to ensuring that users maintain control over what is on their computers. The participants also agreed to work together to better educate consumers about available tools and to develop shared terminology and approaches.

Participants included: Aluria; AOL; Computer Associates; EarthLink; HP; Lavasoft; McAfee Inc.; Microsoft; Safer-Networking Ltd.; Symantec; Trend Micro; Webroot Software; Yahoo! Inc.; Samuelson Law, Technology & Public Policy Clinic at Boalt Hall School of Law, UC Berkeley; Business Software Alliance; and the Cyber Security Industry Alliance.

The group plans to meet again and will invite other consumer groups to join them as they create public working drafts that address the main goal of helping users and organizations take back control of their computers.

If you are interested in staying informed as the work develops, please contact Ari Schwartz at CDT 202-637-9800.

For more information on spyware issues visit CDT's spyware page -- http://www.cdt.org/privacy/spyware/.