Anti-spyware bill gets new life

Backers of a proposed federal law to regulate spyware, who failed to win approval last year, are trying again. The House Committee on Energy and Commerce has scheduled a hearing for 7 a.m. PST Wednesday on its version of a spyware bill that's supported by Chairman Joe Barton, R-Texas.

The effort stalled in Congress in 2004 when the House of Representatives approved the so-called Spy Act by a 399-1 margin, but the Senate never voted. Even though this week's hearing is a formality, the process is being closely watched by technology companies because it could result in changes to the legislation this time around.