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HR 4661 108th Congress House Crime and Law Enforcement Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues Civil actions and liability Computer crimes Computer hackers Computer security measures Computer software Fines (Penalties) Fraud Identification devices Identity theft Internet Law Prosecution Right of privacy Science, Technology, Communications Social Welfare Social security numbers

Internet Spyware (I-SPY) Prevention Act of 2004

Introduced: June 23, 2004 See on congress.gov
This bill died when the 108th Congress ended
It never became law before the 108th Congress (2003–2004) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 15 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Oct 8, 2004
Received in the Senate.
Oct 7, 2004
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H8649-8650)
Oct 7, 2004
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Oct 7, 2004
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 415 - 0 (Roll no. 503). (text: CR 10/6/2004 H8250)
Oct 6, 2004
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
Oct 6, 2004
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4661.
Oct 6, 2004
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H8250-8252)
Oct 6, 2004
Mr. Goodlatte moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Sep 23, 2004
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 426.
Sep 23, 2004
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 108-698.
Sep 8, 2004
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Sep 8, 2004
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Jun 24, 2004
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1235)
Jun 23, 2004
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Jun 23, 2004
Introduced in House
 Votes taken on this bill 1
DateChamberWhat was voted onResultYes–No
Oct 7, 2004 House · vote #503 On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended Passed 4150 See who voted →
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 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Internet Spyware (I-SPY) Prevention Act of 2004 - Amends the Federal criminal code to prohibit intentionally accessing a protected computer without authorization, or exceeding authorized access, by causing a computer program or code to be copied onto the protected computer, and intentionally using that program or code: (1) in furtherance of another Federal criminal offense; (2) to obtain or transmit personal information (including a Social Security number or other government-issued identification number, a bank or credit card number, or an associated password or access code) with intent to defraud or injure a person or cause damage to a protected computer; or (3) to impair the security protection of that computer.

Prohibits any person from bringing a civil action under State law premised upon the defendant's violating this Act.

Provides that this Act does not prohibit any lawfully authorized investigative, protective, or intelligence activity of a law enforcement agency or a U.S. intelligence agency.

Authorizes appropriations for each of FY 2005 through 2008 to the Attorney General for prosecutions needed to discourage the use of spyware (i.e., software that aids in gathering and sending information about a person or organization, or in asserting control over their computer, without their knowledge or consent) and the practice called phishing (i.e., using the websites of, or e-mails that appear to be sent from, well known legitimate businesses to deceive Internet users into revealing personal information that can be used to defraud those users).

Expresses the sense of Congress that the Department of Justice should use this Act and all other available tools to vigorously prosecute those who use spyware to commit crimes and those that conduct phishing scams.

What's happening now October 8, 2004

Received in the Senate.

 Bill text 4 versions

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 1
Cite this page click to expand
APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 4661: Internet Spyware (I-SPY) Prevention Act of 2004. 108th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/108-HR-4661/
MLA
"H.R. 4661: Internet Spyware (I-SPY) Prevention Act of 2004." 108th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/108-HR-4661/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.R. 4661, 108th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/108-HR-4661/.
Markdown link
[H.R. 4661: Internet Spyware (I-SPY) Prevention Act of 2004](https://openamerica.io/bill/108-HR-4661/)
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