Although antispyware software "is the best tool you have out there today," consumers now need to trust those that develop spyware-fighting technology for their protection, said the group's leader, Ari Schwartz, Associate Director of the Center for Democracy. Schwartz called the spyware situation a crisis.

According to the coalition's initial take, spyware is defined as impairing a user's control over privacy or system security. The group also defines spyware as "collection, use and distribution of [a user's] personal or otherwise sensitive information."

Today's definition is a first draft, emphasized Schwartz. The group is asking consumers to comment. A final definition is expected in the fall.

"One of the biggest challenges we've had with spyware has been agreeing on what it is," said Schwartz. Any definition will help "users make more informed decisions about which programs to keep and which to delete," according to Schwartz.

Connecting Consumers to the Problem

The group was created in April to improve communication between antispyware companies and consumers.

One of the coalition's most prominent members, Microsoft, has come under fire recently for downgrading the seriousness of adware designed by software-development company Claria, previously known as Gator. Microsoft's antispyware application now suggests users "ignore" spyware previously marked for removal.

This downgrade has prompted speculation that Microsoft will buy Claria.

Calls for a definition of spyware are unneeded, said Peter Firstbrook, an analyst with Gartner Research. Antispyware vendors, such as Microsoft, already have published their guidelines and definitions.

The Gartner analyst sees the move to define spyware as assisting the companies that push adware, not the consumers. It will "help the adware vendors get on the right side of the law," said Firstbrook. "It's a way of becoming legitimate."

Ad-Sponsored Software Here To Stay

Any definition of spyware will "tip the balance in favor of consumers and legitimate businesses," said Schwartz, especially if that definition should form the basis for new antispyware legislation.

Schwartz applauded New York State Attorney General Elliot Spitzer's lawsuit against marketer Intermix. Spyware needs to become more costly for the businesses involved, said Schwartz.

Earlier this year, the U.S. House Judiciary Committee approved a bill creating criminal penalties for spyware. The coalition's effort "definitely won't impact the worst" spyware offenders, said Firstbrook.

"Ad-sponsored software is here to stay," said the analyst.