Europeon anti spam laws now in effect
New privacy rules for digital networks and services - Directive kicks in today
Dated: 31/10/2003
Although most spam comes from outside the Europeon Union it may stop some plus there are also other items included in this new law:
Quote:
The Directive is technology neutral and gives consumers and citizens a variety of tools to protect their privacy and personal data. This can be illustrated by a few examples:
Cookies (which register users' preferences as they visit websites) and other invisible tracking devices that can collect information on Internet users, such as 'spyware' may only be utilised if the user is given clear information about the purpose of any such invisible activity and is offered the right to refuse it. This will enable the user to decide which forms of access to his equipment are acceptable and which are not.
Location data generated by mobile phones can only be further used or passed on by network operators with explicit user consent. The only exceptions are (1) the transmission of the location data to emergency services; and (2) transmission of data to law enforcement authorities, subject to strict conditions, for purposes such as national security or criminal investigations.
Spam: With a limited exception - covering existing customer relationship - e-mail marketing is only allowed with prior consent. Disguised identities and invalid return addresses, often used by “spammers”, are also outlawed. This “opt-in” regime equally covers SMS messages and other electronic messages sent to any mobile and fixed terminal. Member States can also ban unsolicited commercial e-mails to businesses. The Commission intends to issue a specific Communication on this subject by the end of the year (see also: IP/03/1015).
From today Member States must apply and effectively enforce these rules. Bilateral and multilateral international co-operation efforts are needed, alongside EU efforts.
