kasia in a nutshell

Actually, I'm just reposting same article I wrote for dslr today..

MSNBC reports that according to a survey of some 1,200 Internet users conducted by ePrivacy Group "Three out of four Americans favor a 'Do not spam' registry".

Modeled after the Federal Trade Commission's "Do not call" registry, it appears on the surface to be a good idea. That is until one realizes that a large percentage of spam comes from outside of the US and it would, of course, be impossible to enforce. Given this little tidbit one may go as far as saying that a "Do not spam" list would instead become a "Please spam me" one as enterprising spammers worldwide would gain access to a nicely formatted, easily accessible list of real e-mail addresses. Did I mention free?

Fear not, despite this grim prediction, such a list will probably not come to life thanks to practically zero support for any anti-spam legislature in the Congress. So though the survey states what we already know -- people do not want spam -- the government is not exactly listening. Senator Charles Schumer of New York is creating warm and fuzzy feelings by supporting this idea but his efforts may perhaps be better served supporting something more definite and enforceable. One idea that comes to mind is enforcing the rules at the level of the ultimate seller, not just the spammer himself. Not only would this prevent companies from hiding behind contracted mailers it would bring these (mainly US-based) businesses under the control of US law and hit them where it hurts the most: in the pocket.

Any anti-spam legislature whose basis is an opt-out type list is a black hole of wasted effort and will only appease the news media while providing little to no relief for those whose mailboxes are under deluge.

Originally posted at dslreports.