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The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan, today released a discussion paper on how government and industry might respond to the emergence of spyware as a threat to online security.

'We want to hear from the Australian public so we can all have a common understanding of what spyware is and how it affects us,' said Senator Coonan.

'We will be holding public consultation workshops where interested parties can discuss the issues raised in the paper.'

The Spyware Discussion Paper defines spyware as software that is secretly installed on a computer. Spyware takes information from the computer without the user's knowledge or permission.

There are malicious spyware practices such as using harvesting software to commit identity theft and financial fraud, and cyberstalking with remote administration tools.

'It is important that online users can identify dangerous spyware and remove it. The Australian Government is working with industry and other interested groups to identify how we can minimise the impact of spyware,' Senator Coonan said.

'While the e-security industry is responding to the challenge of spyware with a range of software tools, a broader community response may be warranted. This response may include industry collaboration on best practice, increased consumer awareness, and improved international cooperation.'

The Spyware Discussion Paper has been developed by the Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts (DCITA) in consultation with a range of stakeholders.

It is available at http://www.dcita.gov.au/spyware, and DCITA invites the public to respond to the paper by 17 June 2005.

DCITA will be holding public workshops in Australia's capital cities in May and early June, to give interested parties the opportunity to chance to discuss spyware and related issues.

For workshop dates and venues, and how to register, visit http://www.dcita.gov.au/spyware or email spyware@dcita.gov.au.