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House passes revisions to Spyware Control Act after testimony about consumer harm
Summary
HB104 revises Utah's spyware rules to target software‑generated pop‑ups and broaden enforcement; sponsor recounted personal removal costs as members emphasized consumer protection. The House approved the bill 71–0.
The Utah House voted unanimously to advance revisions to the state's spyware laws on Feb. 15, approving House Bill 104 by voice vote (71–0). Representative Stephen Urquhart presented the measure, which narrows the bill's focus to software installed on users' machines that generates pop‑up advertisements (commonly called adware) rather than advertising delivered by third‑party websites.
Urquhart described two types of pop‑ups and said the bill targets software that "is generated by your own computer," which can piggyback on free downloads and degrade performance. He recounted a personal example of removing persistent adware and paying for professional removal: "I had to pay a hundred and $60 to have an expert come and get it off." The bill expands enforcement authority to include the attorney general and affected business owners, and exempts ordinary advertising tied to external sites.
Proponents emphasized the consumer and commerce impacts of adware. Representative Harper expressed support and urged coordination with federal and other states, noting enforcement challenges against offshore operators. Urquhart said the revisions aim to balance consumer protection and enforceability.
After floor discussion, the House voted to pass HB104; the measure will be referred to the Utah Senate for further action.
