Barton 'Dumbfounded' by Computer Spying Case

Praises FTC but says tougher privacy legislation is needed

By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 9/26/2012 1:35:10 PM

Rep. Joe Barton (R-Texas), cochair of the Bipartisan Congressional Privacy Caucus, used the FTC's just-settled case against computer "spying" to renew his call for tougher privacy laws.

The FTC settled a complaint on Tuesday with seven computer rental companies and the software designer over charges they had captured screenshots of personal information, logged computer keystrokes and even took webcam photos of people in their homes, all with the help of installed software.

Barton said in a statement Wednesday that he was "dumbfounded" by the use of the computers to spy on customers. He said he was glad the FTC had filed charges but said: "[W]e desperately need stronger privacy laws to fight against this type of behavior. Everyone should have a say in how their personal information is used.  In my mind, it is not only the right thing to do, but it is the American thing to do."