Internet Spyware (I-SPY) Prevention Act of 2005

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Internet Spyware (I-SPY) Prevention Act of 2005 - 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 to the Attorney General for prosecutions needed to discourage the use of spyware and the practice called phishing.

Expresses the sense of Congress that the Department of Justice should vigorously prosecute those who use spyware to commit crimes and those that conduct phishing scams.

Written by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service. All summary versions on Congress.gov