EFF: Security software distributed by cops is spyware in disguise

According to the foundation, law enforcement agencies typically buy between 1,000 and 5,000 copies of ComputerCOP for a few dollars per piece – and yes, they use taxpayer dollars for the purchase. Within the past two years for instance, several Attorney’s Offices, including San Diego’s, bought 5,000 pieces for 25 grand. The foundation reckons there might be over a million copies out there, but admits it’s possible that very few people have actually installed it, as its testers found it quite difficult to use.

Lack of usability to the rescue for once.