Legal Status Virus/Malware/Trojan(Law)

What is the current legal status of "spyware"? One of the first thing your forums says is:

Isn't it illegal to intentionally place a program which you believe or know could have a long term negative impact to the system?

Is there a site or resource that might address questions of this nature. I searched for a thread - did I use the wrong keywords?:

*What major companies create 'legal' "spyware"? Other than collecting personal data for advertising purposes why do they exist?

*Can legal "spyware" harm my computer or just 'slow it down'?

*Where is the line drawn between illegal, questionable and legal programs relevant to this discussion - "spyware".

*Years ago, when 24.4 BPS was fast, there were "groups" of hackers who made viruses (RaBid is one I remember) are there still such groups?

*Should all forms of spyware be illegal - that might be an opinion I know. But, I was curious what the 'majority' of "professionals" say.

*Aside from companies who make anti-virus anti-"spyware" is their a government department or 'official'/unoffical group of people who police viruses/worms/spyware? Why/Why not? This site seems to focus on removal. I am thinking of the intentional capture(of infected programs), study and tracking of companies/groups who make such programs.

*How big of a problem is virus/spyware? Impact tens of billions? Or just a few million here and there? How do you know - who tracks this sort of thing?

*What unofficial groups or smaller companies have been believed to be associated with 'illegal' viruses/malware?

 

Are those just stupid questions? I guess it is what a nerd like me wonders occasionally.

 

Based on the news reports today, it appears both Apple (iPhone, iPad) and Google (Android) collect GPS data on everywhere you've been with the device (even if you have the GPS tracking feature disabled).

Spying on your customers? It now appears there's an app for that.

Although I have not read the fine print in Apple and Google (Android's) privacy policies, most privacy policies I have read (such as Comcast ISP) have limits on what data they can collect and/or share:

• They can collect and share "aggregate" data (such as the average number of minutes all subscribers use the service per day) that does not personally identify an individual user or account.
• They can provide individual user data (GPS locations, specific use) only if a subpoena or other legally allowed request from a Law Enforcement Agency is received.
• They can (by default), send you e-mails, text messages and snail mail offering advertisements, products and services. You have the right to "opt-out" of such communications if desired.

Given the s:***t Apple and Google have just been exposed for, I suspect this question will be working its way through the US Congress within the very near future. In addition, I suspect dozens of law firms are working overtime this weekend and will soon be filing Class Action lawsuits against both companies.

In my opinion, neither Apple, Google nor any other company should have the right to hide spyware in their products or operating systems. I hope both companies get a swift kick in the b:***ls from both Congress and legal settlements.