Can-Spam Law: More Harm than Good? - Tech Update

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December 17, 2003

Critics see little relief from CAN SPAM
Fans say CAN SPAM--set to become the first federal law against digital junk mail--would serve notice to spammers. But critics say that by overriding stronger state laws, it would actually tell spammers they can.

Score one for the spammers
David Berlind: Antispam laws are a bad idea as long as they're written by those out of touch with the underpinnings of Internet e-mail. Although Attorneys General everywhere furrowed their eyebrows over CAN SPAM, this travesty of a bill is now a federal law.

CAN SPAM--a good first act
Enrique Salem: The solution to spam will involve a coordinated effort by technology providers, ISPs, direct marketers and law enforcement agencies. The Can-Spam Act helps by laying the groundwork for criminal enforcement.

MORE COMMENTARY
The biggest spam challenge: defining it
David Berlind: The biggest proglem of all is that there is no agreement on what spam is. Nor should there be.

DNS inventor says spam cure is right under our nose
David Berlind: Domain Name System inventor Paul Mockapetris says these and other identity-related transgressions are the Net's top growth industry and that while we chase after the perfect solution, it's time to accept one that's good enough.

RELATED COVERAGE
Why do-not-spam lists are a bad idea
Congress OKs antispam legislation
UK spam law triggers deluge of complaints
White Papers: On demand computing
Antispammers blast weak spam laws
Antispammers again targeted by worm
Spam spike signals more junk e-mail
Antispam methods aim to merge
A Spam Law That Slams Small Business

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