Spam is a global problem affecting consumers and businesses worldwide. As
is often the case when new technologies appear, abuse is not far behind. The
application of existing laws, appropriate Internet industry policies, technology
and consumer awareness could, for instance, deal with abusive electronic
mailing. The more aware consumers are about ways to protect themselves
against spam the
quicker the economic motivators for spam can be changed.
See: Spam
Discussion Paper, Industry Canada, January 2003
Operation "Secure your Server" advises Internet users on how to
adjust the server settings, making it more difficult for spammers to
clog e-mail inboxes. The web page has information on the efforts made to let
individuals and organizations become aware of how their mail servers or proxy servers can
be abused by spammers.
See: Operation "Secure
your Server" and the related Shut
the Door on Spam document, US Federal Trade Commission, January 2004
How do spammers get our e-mail addresses? Addresses placed visibly on public
websites are favourite targets for spammers, who use harvesting programs
such as "robots" to gather e-mail addresses listed on the Web. Internet
users are often not aware of the different ways that an e-mail address attracts
spam and that this depends to a large extent on where the e-mail address has been
used. This document provides Internet users with some insights into what online
behavior results in the most spam.
See: Why Am I Getting all this spam?,
Center for Democracy and Technology, March 2003
Spam is one of the most significant challenges facing the Internet today.
ISPs, legislators, law enforcement authorities, marketers, businesses and
consumers are some of the numerous groups having to deal with spam. In addition to
establishing laws and regulations on spam nationally, consumers and businesses
need to be educated on how to best avoid spam and what process to follow for the
reporting of spam to the appropriate enforcement agency. But what are the best ways to convey information to
consumers and businesses on spam and what spam reporting mechanisms have shown
to be most effective?
See: The
European Commission's communication on spam, European Commission, January
2004
Consumers, businesses, and even e-mail marketers are losing out in the battle
against spam. Some of the negative
sentiments about spam are impacting the development of legitimate direct
marketing. What approach is needed to contain spam while protecting legitimate
e-mail marketing as an emerging and promising channel? How is
anti-spam legislation affecting direct marketing companies?
See: The Direct Marketing Association (DMA)
Australian
Direct Marketing Association (ADMA)
Canadian
Marketing Association (CMA)
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