Sec. 324.053. UNAUTHORIZED INTERFERENCE WITH INSTALLATION OR DISABLING OF COMPUTER SOFTWARE. A person other than the owner or operator of the computer may not knowingly cause computer software to be copied to a computer in this state and use the software to:
(1) prevent, through intentionally deceptive means, reasonable efforts of the owner or operator of the computer to block the installation or execution of or to disable computer software by causing computer software that the owner or operator has properly removed or disabled to automatically reinstall or reactivate on the computer;
(2) intentionally misrepresent to another that computer software will be uninstalled or disabled by the actions of the owner or operator of the computer;
(3) remove, disable, or render inoperative, through intentionally deceptive means, security, antispyware, or antivirus computer software installed on the computer;
(4) prevent reasonable efforts of the owner or operator to block the installation of or to disable computer software by:
(A) presenting the owner or operator with an option to decline the installation of software knowing that, when the option is selected, the installation process will continue to proceed; or
(B) misrepresenting that software has been disabled;
(5) change the name, location, or other designation of computer software to prevent the owner from locating and removing the software; or
(6) create randomized or intentionally deceptive file names or random or intentionally deceptive directory folders, formats, or registry entries to avoid detection and prevent the owner from removing computer software.
Added by Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 885 (H.B. 2278), Sec. 2.01, eff. April 1, 2009.
Structure Texas Statutes
Title 10 - Use of Telecommunications
Subtitle B - Electronic Communications
Chapter 324 - Consumer Protection Against Computer Spyware
Subchapter B. Prohibited Conduct or Activities
Section 324.051. Unauthorized Collection or Culling of Personally Identifiable Information
Section 324.052. Unauthorized Access to or Modifications of Computer Settings; Computer Damage
Section 324.053. Unauthorized Interference With Installation or Disabling of Computer Software
Section 324.054. Other Prohibited Conduct
Section 324.055. Unauthorized Creation Of, Access To, or Use of Zombies or Botnets; Private Action