Brussels, 25/06/2004 (Agence Europe) - The fight against spam is one of the key challenges facing the Internet. Unsolicited commercial communications by e-mail now account for more than 50% of global e-mail traffic, against 7% in 2001. Spam is a problem not only on grounds of privacy, deception of customers, protection of minors and human dignity, but it also represents a commercial threat. It means extra costs for businesses and lost productivity and this state of affairs is likely to turn consumers away from the internet, comments Susie Kemp, Member of the Committee of the Regions (EPP, UK), rapporteur for the opinion on spam adopted at the CoR plenary on 16-17 June.
In July 2002, the EU adopted a directive on privacy and electronic communications, under which subscribers are required to give prior consent - i.e. to "opt in" - to commercial e-mail (including text messages or 'SMS'). The Directive should have come into force on 31 October 2003, but the CoR points out that while the legislation is the first step, it will not in itself suffice to deal with spam. Other mechanisms will have to be put into place to enforce the directive.
To make the ban on spam a reality, therefore, it is vital to make sure that the Member States and public authorities apply existing legislation, comments the CoR. To give more force to the EU rules, the Member States must make sure they put in place "effective complaints mechanisms" and "effective penalties". However, they also have to cooperate both inside and outside the EU. Efforts are also needed to secure a greater commitment on the part of the main software manufacturers to undertake research on network and information safety and its immediate practical application. Regional and local authorities also play a role here. Many of the problems associated with a safe use of the Internet could be resolved at a local level through an awareness-raising drive in schools, libraries etc. suggests the CoR. Regional and local authorities could also "use their existing relationships with business organisations" to encourage them to take action against spam.