Consumer Protection Against Computer Spyware Act
Spyware Act
Other · Data security
Bars installing software on a Californian's computer that, through deception, hijacks browser settings, logs keystrokes or browsing history, extracts sensitive data, blocks removal, or disables security software.
- Where
- California
- Citation
- Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code 22947-22947.6
- Status
- In force
- In force since
- 2005-01-01
- Enforced by
- California Attorney General and local prosecutors
- People can sue
- No
- Penalties
- Not determined from the section read.
- Applies to
- Anyone who is not an authorized user and causes software to be copied onto a California consumer's computer
Practices it requires
- Do not install software that deceptively changes home page, search provider, or bookmarks.Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code 22947.2(a)
- Do not deceptively collect personal information through keystroke logging, full browsing history, or extraction of sensitive data.Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code 22947.2(b)
- Do not block uninstallation or disable security, antispyware, or antivirus software through deception.Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code 22947.2(c)-(e)
Sources
Checked against these sources on 2026-09-25 by research agent (Claude), primary sources.
Research reference, not legal advice.