How to Learn About Spam Laws

Spam, no longer just the mystery meat in a can, is now a moniker for unsolicited contact from advertisers, most often in the form of email. While spam is certainly annoying, it can also be malicious. Some spam is designed to trick you into providing confidential information or as a means to spread a computer virus. That's why it's important to learn about the laws that protect you and your computer from spam.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access

Make the Spam Laws Work for You

1. Educate yourself about the CAN-SPAM Act enacted in 2003, as well as other rules and laws that prohibit unsolicited commercial messages from being sent over the Internet. See the relevant page at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Web site (see Resources below).
2. Learn how to prevent spam from reaching all your digital devices and applications, from email to your cell phone, from the FTC (see Resources below).
3. File a complaint with the FTC, or forward the email containing spam to the FTC for investigation (see Resources below).

Reduce Spam Before It Becomes a Nuisance

4. Take the time to read the privacy policy of a Web site before submitting your email address. Unless the policy states otherwise, the Web site may distribute your information to third parties.
5. Check your Internet browser or online service for a spam filter—and use it.

Tips & Warnings

• Spamming takes many forms. The most common is email spam, but spam can also come your way in chat rooms, newsgroups, message boards, through Web site pop-ups and can even be sent to your mobile phone.
• Don't hesitate to report spammers. Once spammers are hit with a fine of about $250 for each email (up to $6,000,000 for aggressive one-click email campaigns), you won't likely hear from them again.
• If you post your email address in plain sight on the Internet, such as on a personal Web page or in a newsgroup, then it's only a matter of time before it's collected by a list broker and sold to unethical email marketers, or spammers.
• Be aware that current spam laws do not allow you to sue spammers yourself. Instead, the Federal Trade Commission, Internet Service Providers and/or other federal or state agencies will bring legal action on your behalf.