Legal Question in Technology Law in New York

Recently, I found out that my father had installed SpectorSoft (http://www.spectorsoft.com/) computer monitoring software on my computer. The SpectorSoft Software License Agreement states that, "You shall inform anyone who you may record using the Software that their Internet and computer activity is subject to being recorded and archived.(http://www.spectorsoft.com/license.html)

Does the fact that I am a minor nullify this requirement or is he still required to notify me. Also, the software clearly states that it copies every single password I enter into my computer. Is this in anyway legal? For example, Facebook lets me broadcast information about me to people who I accept as friends. If he is not my friend on Facebook isn't taking my password and spying on my Facebook illegal. I know that under the constitution children are the property of their parents but is their anyway in which I could force my father to remove this software?


Asked on 7/04/10, 11:03 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Kristen Browde Browde Law, P.C.

As a lawyer and a parent, I find this one of the more difficult issues with which to deal. From a legal standpoint, though, the property issue isn't the child, it's the computer. Are you sure it's *your* computer? Or does your father own it?

In any event, violating the license terms isn't an issue on which you have legal standing - SpectorSoft could theoretically complain, but not you.

That's probably not the answer you were looking for - but my advice would be this: have a calm, direct conversation with your father on the issue. You won't be the first child to do it - my ten year old has already brought similar concerns to me about the Norton Family Safety software on the computer he uses.

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Answered on 7/06/10, 9:47 am


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