Recent studies by Jupiter Research have established that the
ordinary American will receive over 2,200 spam messages per year;
and in the UK, the Government recently estimated that 40% of all
e-mail messages are spam.
Yesterday's joint announcement represents the first
industry-wide initiative of its kind.
The intention is to combat spam on four fronts: protecting users
from receiving spam; preventing the use of e-mail services for
sending spam; setting standards so that genuine commercial e-mail
can be recognised; and working with law enforcement to make
spammers more accountable.
According to AOL, "the companies believe that the issue of spam
can only be significantly addressed through a comprehensive
approach, including technology, responsible customer
communications, appropriate legislation, enforcement and consumer
education."
David Cole, senior vice president of MSN, added, "The time has
come for competitors and the industry at large to work together to
address the burden of spam".
The anti-spam theme will continue this week as the Federal Trade
Commission hosts a public forum on spam. The three-day event will
bring together government, technology and industry in an effort to
co-ordinate the attack.
