Federal law aims to squelch spam

roundup Backers say Can-Spam puts junk e-mailers on notice, but critics say spammers will hardly notice.

CNET News staff

Dec. 16, 2003 12:53 p.m. PT

roundup Backers and critics are ranging their arguments in response to Can-Spam, the first federal law to regulate unsolicited e-mail. Are the new national regulations less effective than the state measures they replace?

Bush OKs spam bill--but critics not convinced
President Bush signs landmark legislation to regulate spam, but critics are unimpressed.
December 16, 2003

Point: Why we've finally canned spam
perspectives U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Conrad Burns say critics overlook the real impact that the law they wrote will have in the reduction of unwanted e-mail.
December 16, 2003

Counterpoint: It's not called 'Can' Spam for nothing
perspectives Antispam technologist Ray Everett-Church says the new congressional legislation entirely misses the core issue.
December 16, 2003

Pill peddlers cough up more spam
A new study shows that health care-related e-mail messages, primarily those marketing diet pills and Viagra, are the leading category of spam.
December 16, 2003

Spammers must pay
commentary Technical and legislative efforts--like the Can-Spam Act of 2003--can, at best, only slow the flood of spam. The only permanent solution to the spam problem is to charge for e-mail.
December 16, 2003

Virginia files felony spam charges
The state's attorney general announces that his office made its first felony indictment under Virginia's antispam law. The charges are filed against two North Carolina residents.
December 11, 2003