# How illegal is THIS?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-illegal-is-this/84821>\
**Category:** Great Debates\
**Created:** [October 1, 2001, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-illegal-is-this/84821 "2001-10-01T20:18:40Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![TheLochNessHump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c5a1d2/32.png) [@TheLochNessHump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheLochNessHump)\
**Post date:** [October 1, 2001, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-illegal-is-this/84821/1 "2001-10-01T20:18:40Z")

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I got this spam in my mail today:

[http://www.programspy.com/1010/](http://www.programspy.com/1010/)

Considering this site is even legit, isn’t this software illegal to use on anyone besides yourself, which makes it a moot point anyway?

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**Author:** ![Waverly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/57b2e6/32.png) [@Waverly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Waverly)\
**Post date:** [October 1, 2001, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-illegal-is-this/84821/2 "2001-10-01T20:44:06Z")

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It is perfectly legal so long as you are the rightful owner of the computer. This is the same interpretation of the law that allows employers (if the so wish) to monitor computer usage, surfing habits, and email on the networks that they own.

Not to say it’s a savory endeavor IMO. The fact that they spam to advertise should be your first hint; but even more telling is the thought that if you must spy on your spouse the computer may be the least of your problems. As far as monitoring kids go, I’m undecided, though I would hope it is not necessary.