Even 007 wasn't shadowed this much. These days, spyware operations are the most popular cybermarketing tool around ' and the most unpopular. Software designers and advertisers have joined forces to run a clandestine operation on millions of consumers across the country. The tracking, data mining, and browser hijacking files that these companies surreptitiously plant on a person's computer extract personal information for advertising purposes, often without the user's knowledge or consent, and they have become a growing concern to companies, individual consumers, and the government. Most importantly, as frustration and fear of spyware grow and cause more people to turn away from the Internet, e-commerce is threatened. How did we get to this point, and what are the chances of successful regulation?

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Estimates of the amount of damage to U.S. businesses caused by computer crime vary greatly, but there is no doubt that corporate America's increased reliance on information technology has led in recent years to a dramatic increase in such losses. <br>A 2003 study by the Computer Security Institute and the FBI found that 90% of respondents had suffered breaches of their computer system within the past year. Reports of specific instances of computer crime also suggest that the risk of damage to computer systems is real and growing.<br>Despite these real and substantial risks, many companies are not doing enough to protect themselves.

Cases and news of interest in the Internet industry. This month: House Committee Passes SPY ACT, Judge Blocks Utah Spyware Law, the RIAA Is At It Again, and more!

Recent rulings of importance to you and your practice.

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The first of the anticipated lawsuits by municipalities and individuals against Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney's decision not to allow out-of-state same-sex couples to marry there were filed last month.

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Matrimonial attorneys often have trouble collecting their fees from clients. This can be especially true when the case has been resolved and the client is dissatisfied with the outcome. Clients may get very creative in their efforts to avoid making payment. Case in point: A suit brought by a law firm against a nonpaying client was recently decided in the firm's favor, in spite of the defendant client's unusual attempt to be excused from his obligation.

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While domestic violence courts have become fixtures all across the country, New York is taking them a giant step further. They are morphing into integrated courts where criminal, family and matrimonial matters are all heard in the same court by the same judge under a model that will reach all New York communities by 2006.

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Prompted by the deaths of two children and the injuries two others sustained when Westchester Child Services returned abused children to their parents, a grand jury was convened in January to make recommendations for improvements to the system. The members of the grand jury heard sworn testimony from nearly 30 witnesses, examined over a hundred pieces of evidence and analyzed relevant law. They found that there were systematic failings in protective services to prevent injury and death to children already under the supervision of DSS.