Government To Crack Down On ‘Curse Of Internet’
The Government is launching an initiative to crackdown on unwanted email spam and strengthen privacy rights for electronic communications.
Unwanted commercial spam is a rapidly growing problem around the world and according to the Department of Trade and Industry, unsolicited emails now account for around 40% of global messaging traffic.
Under the Government’s new proposals, which will be open to consultation from today, consumers will have to give prior consent before receiving email advertising, in a move that will effectively outlaw spam.
The new European Directive on Privacy and Electronic Communications also means that advertisers will also have to clearly indicate the use of cookies and other tracking devices and will be required to give consumers the opportunity to reject them.
It is understood that companies failing to adhere to these regulations could face unlimited fines. The Government’s information commissioner will also have the power to instigate those it suspect of using spam.
Launching the initiative, E-Commerce Minister, Stephen Timms, said: “Spam has become the curse of the internet. It is a source of major frustration as it clogs up inboxes the world over. Just as the internet and mobile technology have become a firm feature of our lives, spam is threatening that status. It is in danger of becoming a real deterrent to online communication.”
He added: “These regulations aim to give control back to the customer. It is vital that people feel safe and confident in using these technologies. Spam must not be allowed to get in the way.”
Recent research from email security company, MessageLabs, shows that the volume of email spam has drastically increased over the past year, with one in fourteen emails found to contain spam in 2002 (see Research Reflects Surge In Spam Mail).
DTI: 020 7215 5000 www.dti.gov.uk
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