UK Cracks Down on Spammers with New Privacy Law

[Henk Elegeert]

REPLY TO: D66 at nic.surfnet.nl

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/nm/20030918/wr_nm/tech_internet_spam_dc_2

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UK Cracks Down on Spammers with New Privacy Law
Thu Sep 18,11:03 AM ET

By Bernhard Warner, European Internet Correspondent LONDON
(Reuters) - Britain on Thursday became the second country in
Europe to criminalize spam, that unwanted barrage of e-mail
and mobile phone text messages that promise get-rich-quick
schemes, cheap home loans and a better sex life.


The unsolicited messages, which industry groups say account
for more than half of all e-mails sent, have become the
scourge of Internet users everywhere.

Under the new UK law, spammers face a 5,000 pound ($8,057)
fine if convicted in a magistrates court. The fine from a
jury trial would be unlimited. Spammers would not face
prison, according to the new law, which was introduced by
Communications Minister Stephen Timms on Thursday.

Spam is defined under the UK law as any messages sent to
consumers without having first established a consensual
customer relationship.

"These regulations will help combat the global nuisance of
unsolicited e-mails and texts by enshrining in law rights
that give consumers more say over who can use their personal
details," Timms said in a statement.

The UK's Office of the Information Commissioner will enforce
the regulations, which go into effect on December 11.

The law does not however cover workplace e-mail addresses.
Anti-spam proponents had been calling for a blanket law that
would criminalize all forms of spam.

"To say it is permissable to spam somebody at work but not
at home could put an extremely large burden on British
businesses," said Steve Linford, founder of anti-spam group
Spamhaus Project. "It says it's okay to spam companies."

The UK law follows an EU directive passed last year. Earlier
this month, Italian lawmakers imposed tough new regulations
to fine spammers up to 90,000 euros ($101,600) and impose a
maximum prison term of three years.

Anti-spam groups cheered the Italian law, but acknowledged
it likely would do little to stop the unwanted flow of
messages. The biggest spammers are based in the United
States and Asia. Strenuous anti-spam laws there are seen as
key to shutting off the valve.

The UK legislation also sets guidelines for "cookies" --
electronic identification tags that help Web sites identify
repeat visitors. Under the new law, consumers have the right
to insist the Web site not store their personal information.

And, starting next year, businesses and individuals will be
able to opt out of telephone marketing schemes.
"

Eindelijk .......

Henk Elegeert

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