Tackling Junk Email
According to recent statistics, junk email, also known as SPAM has doubled in the past year. In fact according to a 2003 Ipsos-Reid Poll, 86% of Canadians have reported receiving unsolicited email or spam.
Internet users need not rely on statistics to know that the influx of junk email is on the rise – simply checking one’s email can be a time-consuming (and sometimes troubling) task these days!
Before the advent of email, one’s exposure to miracle cures and diets, international pyramid schemes, cheap drug prescriptions, even pornography, was limited, to say the least. Such information was available online – but only to those who sought out such content.
The constant bombardment of junk email is not only frustrating and sometimes offensive, but according to some sources, it has also become a costly exercise. SPAM currently represents about 30% of all Internet traffic and a European study estimates the cost of SPAM to be about $14 billion dollars per year worldwide!
What exactly is SPAM?
SPAM, also known as junk email, is unsolicited email that contains advertisements for a variety of goods and services. This junk email is often sent to several (likely millions) of users. It is important to note that not every email advertisement is SPAM; there are many reputable companies who use email-marketing methods.
It is often not difficult to detect SPAM from other email. SPAM is often sent using a forged address with a subject line encouraging the user to open the message. In addition, SPAM is often a message from a company or person you do not know rather then a newsletter or announcement from a person or company you do know.
Are there any laws against this sort of thing?
Current research being conducted by Industry Canada is exploring ways to stop or reduce unsolicited email within Canada. In addition, there is increased pressure from organizations such as the Coalition Against Unsolicited Commercial Email (CAUCE Canada) to enact legislation in an attempt to curb this growing problem.
The difficulty with legislating junk email is that the message often originates from another country that may be lacking strict Internet or privacy laws. In order to effectively address SPAM, it is likely that international cooperation will be necessary. In a recent story by the Associated Press it was reported that anti-spam legislation in California is now being questioned as to its long term effectiveness.
What can I do to prevent Junk Email?
It is almost impossible to completely eliminate junk email. However there are methods you can use to reduce the number of these messages you receive.
Do not respond to junk email messages
When an email message encourages you to respond in order to have your name removed from a mailing list, it is most likely a means of confirming that your email is legitimate and active. Or the sender email is forged so the real spammer cannot be traced.
Read the privacy policies and acceptance agreements on websites
When signing up for a newsletter or listerv, be sure to read the privacy policies and acceptance agreements before you click that Submit button. Some websites are asking you to agree to receive email and clearly state that they will sell or, at the very least, distribute your email to others.
Consider getting a second email address
Use a second email address through hotmail or yahoo when signing up for promotions and services on the Internet. Use your own email exclusively for personal and/or business use.
Take advantage of built-in SPAM filters included with your email program
Outlook and Netscape have built-in SPAM filters that can block junk email messages. Note that these filters usually only block the senders address, and since spammers change their email addresses often, it will not eliminate all junk email.
Learn how to turn on junk filters in …Use Anti-Spam software
Microsoft Outlook 2002
Outlook Express
Netscape 7.02
Netscape 4.7X
Software (some free) is available to help you block unwanted email. The software can block an email before it gets to your inbox. Many of these software programs must be trained to determine what is legitimate email and what is junk mail so it is important to regularly view the junk email in case a legitimate message passed through.
Links to anti-spam softwareOther Related Links and Sources
Popfile
Cost: FREE
McAfee Spam Killer
Cost: $43.00 CDN
Ottawa looking for way to can the spam. Globetechnology.com January 24, 2003.
Have you found an effective way to deal with SPAM? Send your ideas to enVision.ca and we may be able to include these in a follow up article.
 |
|
|
profile of voluntary sector - managing voluntary organizations | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Copyright 2003 Community Services Council Newfoundland and Labrador
|
|