Is the end nigh for spam?

The UK government has announced plans to crack down on the proliferation of unsolicited email which is clogging up inboxes and driving users to distraction.

Ecommerce minister Stephen Timms has announced a number of new proposals which it is hoped will cut down on the amount of inbox clutter, as well as tackling newer problems such as the growth of unsolicited text messages.

Business will now be required to gain prior consent before sending advertising emails. This consent must be explicitly given on an 'opt-in' basis, unless there is an existing customer relationship;

Also under the proposals, the use of cookies or other tracking devices must be clearly indicated and users must be given the opportunity to reject them.

Launching the consultation, Timms said: "Spam has become the curse of the internet. It is a source of major frustration as it clogs up inboxes the world over.

"Just as the internet and mobile technology have become a firm feature of our lives, spam is threatening that status. It is in danger of becoming a real deterrent to online communication.

"When used properly, direct marketing is a powerful business tool. But badly targeted messages, whether by email, phone, fax or text are a global concern. Not only are they a great nuisance, they are eroding trust in legitimate and valuable business services.

"Electronic communications, email and SMS in particular, are transforming the way we do business and the way we communicate with each other. These regulations aim to give control back to the customer. It is vital that people feel safe and confident in using these technologies. Spam must not be allowed to get in the way."

Unfortunately from the users' perspective, marketers who have been bombarding them with spam up until now aren't necessarily going to be overly concerned about these new measures. Many already know that what they are doing is illegal and will continue to spam relentlessly.