““We Can Stop Spam”We Can Stop Spam”

Author: Jack P. McHughAuthor: Jack P. McHugh

Pui Ying (Ivy) CheungPui Ying (Ivy) Cheung

Main PointsMain Points

Suggested actions against spamSuggested actions against spam

Problems with these suggestionsProblems with these suggestions

Solution to problemsSolution to problems

Suggested Actions Against SpamSuggested Actions Against Spam

Michigan:Michigan:Require all commercial e-mailers to insert Require all commercial e-mailers to insert “ADV” as the first three characters in the “ADV” as the first three characters in the subject line of an unsolicited e-mailsubject line of an unsolicited e-mail

““Anti-Spam” bill to create a do not spam” list Anti-Spam” bill to create a do not spam” list targeted against unsolicited commercial e-targeted against unsolicited commercial e-mailsmails

Suggested Actions Against SpamSuggested Actions Against Spam

Federal Trade Commission:Federal Trade Commission:National “do not spam” list which allow National “do not spam” list which allow citizens to register for the listcitizens to register for the list

Penalize spammers who e-mail anyone on Penalize spammers who e-mail anyone on this listthis list

Problems with ProposalsProblems with Proposals

They are unlikely to be effectiveThey are unlikely to be effective

Spammers can quickly develop ways to Spammers can quickly develop ways to work around itwork around it

Spammers are difficult to prosecuteSpammers are difficult to prosecute Spammers send e-mails through overseasSpammers send e-mails through overseas

Problems with ProposalsProblems with Proposals

Maintenance of the “do not spam” list would Maintenance of the “do not spam” list would not be cost-efficientnot be cost-efficient Complications with purchasing and operating Complications with purchasing and operating

software and computer systems with software and computer systems with government fundsgovernment funds

Users who would like to be on the list has to Users who would like to be on the list has to paypay

Solution to the ProblemsSolution to the Problems

Do it ourselvesDo it ourselves

Forward messages persuading people to stop Forward messages persuading people to stop patronizing an e-marketer’s product or service patronizing an e-marketer’s product or service unless his communication contains “ADV” in unless his communication contains “ADV” in the subject line the subject line

Any Questions?Any Questions?