New virus shames, names porn downloaders

A computer virus from Japan targets those who download unauthorized copies of a type of sexually explicit computer game, the BBC reported.

The virus, which masquerades as a game-installation screen, grabs the user's Web history and name online, and then sends an e-mail or pop-up screen demanding a 1,500 yen ($16.30) payment, according to the BBC.

The payment is requested "to settle your violation of copyright law" and to clear the user's name from the Web page, according to the BBC.

Those who are targeted by the virus are users of the Winni file-sharing service, the BBC reported.