OTTAWA – New legislation and more rigorous enforcement are a couple of the new tools recommended to fight e-mail spam says a new report entitled, Stopping Spam: Creating a Stronger, Safer Internet.
The report is from the federal government’s Task Force on Spam, which presented its final report David Emerson, Minister of Industry, today.
The task force members included Michael Binder, Assistant Deputy Minister, Spectrum, Information Technologies and Telecommunications, Industry Canada (Chair); Lori Assheton-Smith, Senior Vice-President and General Counsel, Canadian Cable Telecommunications Association; Tom Copeland, President, Canadian Association of Internet Providers; Bernard Courtois, President, Information Technology Association of Canada; Michael Geist, Canadian Research Chair in Internet and E-Commerce Law, University of Ottawa; Amanda Maltby, Senior Vice President, Ipsos-Reid Public Affairs, representing the Canadian Marketing Association; Suzanne Morin, Assistant General Counsel, Regulatory Law and Policy, Bell Canada; Geneviève Reed, Head of Research and Representation, Option consommateurs; Neil Schwartzman, Chair, Canadian Coalition Against Unsolicited Commercial E-mail; Roger Tassé, Partner, Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP
Besides new, targeted legislation and better enforcement, which would strengthen the legal and regulatory weapons that Canada could use in the global battle against spam, the report also supports the creation of a focal point within government for co-ordinating the actions taken to address the spam issue and other related problems like spyware.
"We need to rid the Internet of the scourge of spam if Canada is going to be able to reap the full benefit of a strong e-economy," said Minister Emerson. "These recommendations merit strong consideration. I want to thank the Task Force members for their time and effort."
Industry Canada established the Task Force on Spam one year ago to oversee the implementation of the government’s Anti-Spam Action Plan and to consider further action. The Task Force brought together leading representatives of ISPs, e-marketers, government and consumers. Working group participation included over 60 stakeholder groups, which provided input on such key areas as legislation and enforcement, international collaboration, and public education and awareness.
Under the leadership of the Task Force, these groups have already implemented practical measures aimed at reducing spam in Canada. Anti-spam "best practices" for network management and for commercial e-mail marketing are now in place. The Task Force also launched the Stop Spam Here Internet-based communications campaign to inform users of steps that they can take to limit and control the volume of spam they receive.
Spam is more than a nuisance. It is increasingly being used to carry viruses and worms, to commit fraud, to steal personal information, and to invade privacy. Not only do these activities drive up the costs for both consumers and businesses, but they also threaten the integrity of the Internet as a platform for communications and commerce.
To effectively combat spam, government, industry, business and consumers must continue to work together, using a variety of instruments — from clear laws with strong penalties and vigorous enforcement, to sound business practices, consumer awareness, public education and international cooperation.
The task force’s key recommendations are:
Proposed legislation and more vigorous enforcement measures
Draft legislation to prohibit spam and to safeguard personal information and privacy as well as computers, e-mail and networks. The proposed law should allow individuals and corporations to sue spammers and hold the businesses whose products or services are being promoted through spam accountable.
As well, provide more resources to appropriate agencies to administer and enforce the new and existing anti-spam legislation.
Centre of expertise on spam
To oversee the coordination of all the spam initiatives, the Task Force suggested the creation of a focal point in government. The centre would coordinate policy and education campaigns, and support law enforcement efforts. It would also receive complaints and compile statistics on spam.
Strong industry best practices
To curb the volume of spam reaching users, the Task Force developed a series of industry best practices for ISPs, network operators and e-mail marketers. Examples include allowing ISPs and other network operators to block e-mail file attachments known to carry viruses and to stop e-mails with deceptive subject lines. As well, e-mail marketers should obtain informed consent from recipients to receive e-mails; provide an opting-out mechanism for further e-mails; and create a complaints system.
The report recommends that these groups voluntarily adopt, regularly review and enhance the best practices.
Public education campaign
To help change people’s online behaviour, the Task Force created an online public education campaign, Stop Spam Here (http://www.stopspamhere.ca). Launched in December 2004, the Web site offers consumers, voluntary organizations and businesses practical tips for protecting their personal information, computers and e-mail addresses. The Task Force recommends that all partners continue to enhance the site’s content.
Improved international co-operation and enforcement measures
As most of the spam reaching Canadians comes from outside the country, international measures to stem spam are vital. Therefore, the Task Force proposes that the government continue its efforts to harmonize anti-spam policies and to improve cooperation in enforcing anti-spam laws among different countries.
