Policy and Law
Tuesday, February 12, 2002FTC Cracks Down On Spam. Yawn.
The FTC announced today its promised crackdown on spam was delivering results - seven spammers had settled charges on the illegal promotion of chain 'letters.' Those who were hoping the FTC would take a hard line and set a firm example - myself included - were mostly disapointed to learn that the spammers merely had to give back the money and promise to not send any more spam. That should do it - a good stern talking to will set things right.
Or maybe not - the FTC also revealed today the e-mail address they've established to receive spam complaints (uce@ftc.gov) receives 15,000 pieces of spam each day. Do the math - if there are that many complaints to a reporting mechanism I'd wager most people have never heard of, how many other pieces of spam must be floating around. Assuming, generously, that represents 5% of the total spam, you're looking at 300,000 - a more likely 1% or less complaint rate puts the total into the millions.
Still think spam isn't a problem?
FTC settles spam charges against seven - Tech News - CNET.com: "Federal regulators kicked off a crackdown on the junk e-mail known as "spam" on Tuesday with an announcement that they had settled charges against seven people accused of running an e-mail chain letter that promised quick money. "
License Legalities
Software marketing execs typically pay little attention to licensing details, deferring to the lawyers. Market resistance to standard terms in licensing agreements may reveal that tactic to be short-sighted.
Law Group Slams UCITA's Complexity. The ABA released a report last week critical of UCITA and urged its redrafting. The association also warned that the act's current wording will lead to controversy and litigation if changes aren't made. [Computerworld]
States Seek Ban On MSFT Witnesses
No surprise here - the nine state coalition seeking to overturn the DOJ/Microsoft settlement are up in arms about the content and timing of the company's list of witnesses.
Rebel States slam MS witness list. 'Blatant disregard...' etc etc [The Register]
Microsoft Moving To Quash Security Disclosures?
What's that old saying - just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get you? Must reading for developers and security specialists. Let's put it this way - Microsoft's new public security person is a lawyer.
Charney an ominous MS pick. Not good -- not at all good [The Register]