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Tuesday, May 6, 2003
Delete e-mail law
To: Any Politician. Subject line: Here's how to have that longer, more satisfying term you've always dreamed about. Click here to fight spam.
Not us. We'd hit the delete button quick. Politicians seem to view protection of the United States' e-mail accounts as the modern equivalent of standing for the flag, mom and apple pie. So congressional anti-spam proposals are proliferating faster than unwanted e-mails.
We prefer changes that come from technology and the free market, not from Congress.
Any additional consumer-protection legislation is more appropriate at the state level. Washington's current law, for instance, offers some protection, especially for those willing to take time to use it.
Bet on any federal law being so complicated that it creates new problems. It might even stifle free speech. As state Attorney General Christine Gregoire has warned, some of the proposals would undo key elements of anti-spam laws here and elsewhere.
There are promising ideas that software companies and Internet service providers can develop. A new e-mail protocol system may be needed. Consumer actions could be effective.
If spam requires federal action, a small charge -- perhaps a penny per e-mail -- might do more than criminal sanctions. Along with the huge charges spammers would face, the rest of us might fork over $10 a year.
But we will pay a price for believing that Congress can "fix" e-mail for us -- guaranteed.
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