Senator Kate Lundy, Shadow minister for Information Technology, today released a discussion paper on internet spam – the most invasive and frustrating form of internet content.
Spam is growing as a widespread community concern. It contributes to the general angst about the internet and constitutes a barrier to some sections of the community going online. Spam is also costly. According to the National Office for the Information Economy (NOIE) the worldwide cost to internet users is around $16.8 billion annually.
Unfortunately for users who have their email clogged with spam, businesses who are losing productivity, and for internet users everywhere who are paying for unsolicited bulk email, the Coalition Government has been happy to prevaricate over this problem.
The Government’s response to spam has been slow and ineffectual. After years of having no position the Minister, Senator Alston, finally announced an inquiry on spam, however a final report is yet to be produced.
As part of Labor’s ongoing policy review, this policy discussion paper canvasses a stronger response to spam, including:
General Objectives
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Create a workable policy for dealing with the problem of spam to the satisfaction of internet subscribers and online businesses. |
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Develop a holistic approach to combat spam that draws on the policy tools of legislation, public education, co-operation with the internet industry, and co-operation with the international community. |
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Develop a workable definition of “spam email” as a category of email that needs to be minimised, as opposed to acceptable online marketing. |
Public Education Objectives
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Develop a public information program empowering internet users to take practical steps to defend themselves against spam. |
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Build on any existing public education programs currently being offered. |
Co-operation with the Internet Industry
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Work with the Internet Industries to develop mechanisms at an industry level to reduce spam, building on existing practices currently employed by Internet Service Providers |
International co-operation
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Ensure that Australia’s approach to combating spam compliments efforts put forward in other legal jurisdictions. |
Legislative Objectives
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Examine fully the effectiveness of existing legislation designed to combat spam. |
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Examine possible legislative mechanisms to cut down the trade in email addresses. |
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Examine the possibility of establishing a legal presumption that individuals are entitled to be free from unwanted email. |
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Examine legislative methods that require senders of bulk emails to correctly identify themselves to recipients. |
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Examine what remedies can be used to deter breaches. |
I encourage input and feedback on this issue. The discussion paper will be on my web site, here and available from my office.
I also delivered a speech on Internet Regulation in Australia – an Opposition perspective at the Netalert Conference held at the Canberra Convention Centre
4 December 2002
Media Contact: Simon Tatz on 02 6277 3334 or 0418 488 295
