OFT hosts spam summit

Spam continues to be a major international problem and the only way to defeat it is for cross-border cooperation between governments and business warned the Office of Fair Trading (OFT).

At a summit on spam today, attended by members of the London Action Plan (LAP) against spam, the OFT highlighted how progress against spammers can be made where there was close cooperation.

It cited the case in Texas, where LAP member Microsoft is working with US authorities to take court action against spammers. This case involves PayPerAction LLC, Leadplex LLC and Leadplex Inc, which spam watchdog SpamHaus.org ranks as the fourth largest illegal spam operation in the world.

John Fingleton, OFT Chief Executive, said: "The London Action Plan is fast proving its value as a unique partnership that brings together different government agencies and business to combat spam. The interaction of business and government must go further."

However the battle is far from won. Estimates show that bulk unsolicited electronic messages, or spam, still account for over 66 per cent of all e-mail traffic on the internet, or two out of every three emails. This email is frequently linked to fraudulent, deceptive or pornographic commercial activities.

Because over 80 per cent of spam received by UK internet users originates from overseas, cross-border collaboration on enforcement is essential.

"Spam continues to be a major international problem, clogging networks and reducing consumer confidence in the internet marketplace," warned John Fingleton. 

The summit, hosted by the OFT and the European Commission Contact Network of Spam Enforcement Authorities, will discuss ways members of the LAP, which has members from over  60 public and private sector agencies from over 27 countries, can work together more effectively. Areas for discussion include introducing smarter, more strategic law enforcement.

It will also discuss ways of educating consumers and business on how to avoid falling victim to spammers.

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