New US spam law goes through House of Representatives
25 November 2003
An American law against spam is looking increasingly likely following a decision by the House of Representatives to support a bill outlawing most unsolicited emails.
The bill would lay down fines and prison sentences for transgressors, although some critics say its terms would encourage businesses to send the messages until being asked to stop.
The Can-Spam Act 2003 was passed with a majority of 392-5 on Saturday, after an all-night session of the House.
It must now be accepted by both the Senate and President Bush before becoming law; both are expected to support it.
The Act would demand that pornographic messages be labelled as such, and enable the Federal Trade Commission to produce a 'Do Not Spam' list of people, similar to its well-subscribed 'Do Not Call' list.
The critics say that the proposal would give spammers carte blanche send the messages to everyone who does not opt out or unsubscribe.
The bill is due to pass through the Senate next week, and be signed into law by President bush on the 1st of January.
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