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22/05/2003
Yahoo kicks off anti-spam campaign
Email users are being asked to trash junk mail as Yahoo kick off the first global anti-spam day of protest.
Unsolicited junk email, spam, is credited with contributing to worker stress, but also now internet experts are warning that as a marketing tool it may be becoming unusable. Estimates of time lost to business indicate that the costs of spam may be running well in excess of £5 billion a year, yet even this may be a conservative figure as email addresses are bombarded with unwanted and inappropriate emails advertising everything from low-rate bank loans to subscriptions for free porn.
The internet service providers, already blocking millions of cloned messages every day, warn that at least 40 % of all messages sent are spam. This rate that is now so high that email may become unviable as a method of communication unless radical steps are taken against spammers.
While the UK government’s e-commerce minister, Stephen Timms, is aware of the problem, and has endorsed the anti-spam campaign, he was quick to point out that the problem is a global epidemic.
“Nobody wants inboxes full of irrelevant emails, but unfortunately spam is a growing problem the world over," he said.
"Not only is it a nuisance but it is also eroding people’s trust in using email.”
He added that email had revolutionised communication and that spam should not be allowed to “get in the way”.
Research by Yahoo has revealed that many computer users are not aware of how to treat spam emails and are actually perpetuating the problem by replying to spam. This only serves to confirm that the email address is active and will guarantee that the address receives yet more spammed emails.
Yahoo have encouraged users to report the most prolific offenders to dumpthejunkaward@yahoo.co.uk.
While there is no sure way of avoiding all spam:
Today at a congressional hearing on the issue Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates in a letter to a US senate committee recommended a combination of legislation and self-regulation. Gates said that would propose a trusted seal on email that would certify sent email before it was accepted. He also mooted a global independent trust authority that would be charged to draw up and regulate a code of best practice.
(SP)
Unsolicited junk email, spam, is credited with contributing to worker stress, but also now internet experts are warning that as a marketing tool it may be becoming unusable. Estimates of time lost to business indicate that the costs of spam may be running well in excess of £5 billion a year, yet even this may be a conservative figure as email addresses are bombarded with unwanted and inappropriate emails advertising everything from low-rate bank loans to subscriptions for free porn.
The internet service providers, already blocking millions of cloned messages every day, warn that at least 40 % of all messages sent are spam. This rate that is now so high that email may become unviable as a method of communication unless radical steps are taken against spammers.
While the UK government’s e-commerce minister, Stephen Timms, is aware of the problem, and has endorsed the anti-spam campaign, he was quick to point out that the problem is a global epidemic.
“Nobody wants inboxes full of irrelevant emails, but unfortunately spam is a growing problem the world over," he said.
"Not only is it a nuisance but it is also eroding people’s trust in using email.”
He added that email had revolutionised communication and that spam should not be allowed to “get in the way”.
Research by Yahoo has revealed that many computer users are not aware of how to treat spam emails and are actually perpetuating the problem by replying to spam. This only serves to confirm that the email address is active and will guarantee that the address receives yet more spammed emails.
Yahoo have encouraged users to report the most prolific offenders to dumpthejunkaward@yahoo.co.uk.
While there is no sure way of avoiding all spam:
- Don’t place your primary email address on a public website
- Subscribe to any filters offered by your ISP
- Use a unique email address that avoids common names
- Don’t reply to spam that encourages you to “unsubscribe”
- Only subscribe to legitimate email news services and alert services
Today at a congressional hearing on the issue Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates in a letter to a US senate committee recommended a combination of legislation and self-regulation. Gates said that would propose a trusted seal on email that would certify sent email before it was accepted. He also mooted a global independent trust authority that would be charged to draw up and regulate a code of best practice.
(SP)
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04 November 2005
Government and business urged to tackle spam
Government and business urged to tackle spam The Office of Fair Trading has urged government and businesses to work together and across borders to tackle spam. The call was made at a summit of international spam enforcement agencies in London on Thursday.
Government and business urged to tackle spam
Government and business urged to tackle spam The Office of Fair Trading has urged government and businesses to work together and across borders to tackle spam. The call was made at a summit of international spam enforcement agencies in London on Thursday.
24 October 2003
America's turning off email over spam fears: survey
The recent explosion of email spam is beginning to take its toll on the Internet world, according to a nationwide US survey. The report, entitled “Spam: Hurting email and degrading the Internet environment,” by the Pew Internet & American Life Project, found that 25% of America’s email users say they are using email less because of spam.
America's turning off email over spam fears: survey
The recent explosion of email spam is beginning to take its toll on the Internet world, according to a nationwide US survey. The report, entitled “Spam: Hurting email and degrading the Internet environment,” by the Pew Internet & American Life Project, found that 25% of America’s email users say they are using email less because of spam.
11 October 2004
Global cooperation needed to stop spam scams, says OFT
Global cooperation on network security, law enforcement and heightened consumer awareness is needed to help shield internet users from spam, according to the Office of Fair Trading (OFT).
Global cooperation needed to stop spam scams, says OFT
Global cooperation on network security, law enforcement and heightened consumer awareness is needed to help shield internet users from spam, according to the Office of Fair Trading (OFT).
07 August 2009
Police Set Up Email To Trace Killer
Detectives hunting the murderer of a student killed after DJ-ing at a Kennington nightclub have set up a special email address appealing for information. The mailbox: carlsappeal@met.police.
Police Set Up Email To Trace Killer
Detectives hunting the murderer of a student killed after DJ-ing at a Kennington nightclub have set up a special email address appealing for information. The mailbox: carlsappeal@met.police.
08 January 2009
Thousands Of Tax Payers Targeted By Fraudsters
Thousands of British taxpayers are being targeted by fraudsters who are sending fake email messages in the run up to this month's self-assessment deadline. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued the warning of an unprecedented wave of false telephone calls and fake email messages.
Thousands Of Tax Payers Targeted By Fraudsters
Thousands of British taxpayers are being targeted by fraudsters who are sending fake email messages in the run up to this month's self-assessment deadline. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has issued the warning of an unprecedented wave of false telephone calls and fake email messages.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
